Rules for interstate firearm licence holders in NT

The Firearms Policy and Recording Unit and Northern Territory Police Legal Branch recently reviewed the operations of the Northern Territory Firearms Act 1997 (‘the Act’) and Northern Territory  Firearms Regulations 1997 (‘the Regulations’) with respect to the sale of ammunition to persons who hold an interstate firearms licence.

The review established that the Act and Regulations does not provide any automatic ability for an  NT firearms dealer or NT ammunition retail permit holder to sell ammunition to an interstate firearms licence holder, and also identified limitations in the use of firearms in the NT by interstate licence holders. 

In short, interstate visitors travelling to the NT do not need to do anything if:

• you are the holder of a firearms licence and are attending the NT to participate in an approved shooting competition; AND
• you do not need to purchase ammunition (you are bringing your own);

OR

• you are the holder of a corresponding category A or B firearms licence and you are temporarily in the NT (less than 3 months); AND
• you are in possession of your firearms only (no ammunition) and not intending to use your firearms (unless under the supervision of a NT firearms licence holder) while in the NT. 

What should you do?

• If you are attending an approved shooting competition in the NT and need to purchase ammunition in the NT, you will need to provide notification in writing to the Commissioner via the Northern Territory Firearms Policy and Recording Unit (firearmsregistry@pfes.nt.gov.au).  You must provide information regarding your stay in the NT, including the firearms that will be in your possession. You will be provided with a notice formally recognising your corresponding licence to be an NT licence for the purposes of your stay.  This will enable you to purchase ammunition for up to 3 months (category A or B licence) or 2 days (category C / D or H licence).  When purchasing ammunition, you must produce the notice along with your corresponding licence.
• If you are intending to be temporarily in the NT (less the 3 months) and wish to bring your category A or B firearms (and ammunition) to use for recreational hunting or shooting, you will need to provide notification in writing to the Commissioner via the Northern Territory Firearms Policy and Recording Unit (firearmsregistry@pfes.nt.gov.au).  You must provide information regarding your stay in the NT, including the firearms that will be in your possession. You will be provided with a notice formally recognising your corresponding licence to be an NT licence for the purposes of your stay.  This will enable you to also possess and purchase ammunition for up to 3 months.  When purchasing ammunition, you must produce the notice along with your corresponding licence.

Any notification to the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit for either of the above purposes must be made at least 4 weeks prior to your intended travel into the NT. Contact firearmsregistry@pfes.nt.gov.au or (08) 8922 3543.

* You can download the Northern Territory Police Force fact sheet on this issue below.