New gun storage rules: Comply or face penalties

New regulations for firearms storage will soon take effect and anyone failing to comply will face fines of up to $3634.

Victoria Police have warned farmers and shooters to store their firearms in well secured steel safes, at least 1.6mm thick, or risk paying a hefty fine and losing their gun licence, under new regulations that come into effect on August 30.

Licensing and Regulation Division acting superintendent John Cahill said the new regulations were being introduced to deter criminals, who often targeted rural properties where they knew guns were likely to be stored.

Supt Cahill said it didn’t help when farmers or hunters “identify themselves as shooters”, such as putting a Winchester sticker on the rear of their ute.

Crime statistics show that while firearm theft subsided during Covid lockdowns, the number of firearms stolen from Victorian homes and other properties ranges from about 700 to 1000 each year.

“The bulk are category A and B firearms – shotguns and bolt-action rifles,” Supt Cahill said. “The vast majority of these firearms are never seen again, while some get used in crimes.”

Under the new regulations gun safes cannot be made of hardwood, recycled wardrobes, timber or old sports lockers.

Not only must all gun safes be made of metal at least 1.6mm thick, but if they weigh less than 150kg they must be bolted to the building.

As for enforcement Supt Cahill said police would initially focus on community education, “but there will be a line in the sand, after which we will take action.

“You might see licences suspended and firearms seized,” he said.

Penalties for noncompliance range from $363 to $3634 for more serious breaches or 12 months imprisonment.

Meanwhile the push by Victoria’s Game Management Authority to introduce mandatory testing of hunters’ shooting proficiency has been deferred by Labor until after the election, as has the 2018 election promise to introduce a new animal welfare act that could affect hunters.