The Victorian Government has today effectively confirmed what licensed shooters have been saying for years: recreational shooting in Victoria is already heavily and comprehensively regulated.
There is a persistent myth that Victoria’s firearms laws were simply “set in 1996” and left untouched. That is nonsense. The laws evolve constantly and are amended regularly as technology, community expectations and operational realities change.
Importantly, unlike the approach taken in New South Wales, Victoria has rejected a number of extreme proposals that would have unfairly targeted licensed firearm owners without delivering meaningful public safety outcomes.
Based on today’s announcement:
There will be no numerical caps on firearms ownership.
There will be no recategorisation of straight-pull or button-release firearms. However, police will receive a clearer temporary power to recategorise genuinely new firearm technologies pending formal review.
There will be a requirement for licence holders to be Australian citizens, subject to certain exemptions. SSAA Victoria argued against this measure during consultation.
There will be tougher penalties for firearm trafficking.
Licensed firearm owners will be subject to enhanced background and suitability checks.
Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) will be strengthened.
We understand that the Government has also agreed to continue considering recommendations and engaging through National Cabinet processes following the Bondi response. The reality, however, is that today’s announcement provides both closure and a defined path forward. SSAA Victoria is confident that we, together with the broader sector, can continue to work productively with the Victorian Government as those discussions progress.
SSAA Victoria invested heavily throughout this process because the stakes were too high not to. We brought detailed subject matter expertise, policy capability, research, communications resources and external professional support to the table. That included extensive consultation work, high-level advocacy, engagement across the political spectrum and a sustained pro-shooting digital campaign designed to ensure licensed firearm owners were heard clearly and respectfully throughout the debate.
That level of advocacy is only possible because SSAA Victoria stands on the foundation of a large, engaged and united membership base approaching 50,000 Victorians. Governments understand when a significant community speaks with a constructive, informed and organised voice. Our members made that possible.
We are proud of the significant amount of work undertaken throughout this process representing our members and advocating for balanced, evidence-based outcomes. We did not get everything we wanted, but that is the reality of living in an open democracy where competing views are considered.
The real credit here does not belong solely to us, or others across the sector who worked diligently and professionally behind the scenes. It also belongs to the Premier and Cabinet for standing behind common sense, rejecting fear campaigns and recognising that Victoria’s licensed shooting community is overwhelmingly safe, responsible and law abiding.
There is still work ahead, but today’s outcome avoids the kind of extreme and unnecessary changes that would have delivered little public safety benefit while punishing ordinary Victorians who do the right thing every day.
There will be much more to say in coming days. SSAA Victoria will continue working through the report and the detail of the legislation that will flow from today’s announcement. Members can expect further analysis, updates and commentary via the SSAA Victoria website, social media channels and upcoming podcast episodes as the process continues.
Victorian Firearm Law Review – where things stand.
We know there’s a lot of interest in the Victorian Firearm Law Review, particularly off the back of recent media coverage and interstate commentary.
The straightforward update is this: there are no firm timelines and no confirmed outcomes.
The Victorian Government has received the report from former Chief Commissioner Ken Lay and is taking the time to work through it. That includes proper consideration and consultation before any decisions are made. That is exactly how this process should operate.
It’s also important to keep some perspective. Victoria’s firearm laws have not been sitting idle since 1996. They have been subject to ongoing review and refinement for nearly three decades. This is a mature, functioning framework – not one in need of a rushed overhaul.
While there is always a place for external advice, governments are elected to make decisions. Advice informs the process, but ultimately the responsibility sits with elected representatives, and that’s where it should stay.
From our end, we continue to work diligently and constructively with Government. That engagement is ongoing, and we are also sharing information and coordinating closely across the national SSAA network to ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach.
It’s also worth addressing the narrative around “urgency”. New South Wales rushed legislation through on Christmas Eve, yet months later the enabling regulations still aren’t in place and may be some time away. That tells you everything you need to know. Good law reform takes time and attempts to manufacture urgency don’t stack up.
Closer to home, while there has been a Ministerial reshuffle this week, the key decision-makers – the Premier, the Police Minister and the Attorney-General – remain unchanged. That continuity is important and provides a steady hand through this process.
There has been some national commentary suggesting states are “standing in the way” of reform. Victoria is rightly taking a measured, considered approach rather than reacting to headlines.
We remain cautiously optimistic. The Government understands the importance of lawful recreational shooting, the strength of the current system, and the need to avoid knee-jerk responses.
As always, we’ll keep members updated as things progress.
January 30, 2026
On the latest SSAA Victoria Podcast we discuss the ongoing reform agenda
With firearms policy under intense national scrutiny, rushed federal reforms and ideology-driven hearings are dominating the debate. Victoria, however, is taking a different path.
In this short video, SSAA Victoria explains why the Ken Lay AO APM firearms law review is a positive sign – and why federal and New South Wales missteps should inform caution, not imitation. We outline where we stand, what we’re doing behind the scenes, and how disciplined, evidence-based advocacy protects the interests of licensed, law-abiding Victorians.
Watch the video below.
January 14, 2026
Federal firearms amendments: ideology in, expertise out
A Federal parliamentary committee is examining sweeping changes to Commonwealth firearms import laws – without hearing from firearms experts, industry or peak shooting organisations.
This article breaks down what’s being proposed, why the process is deeply flawed, and why it matters. It also explains why this is not the Victorian Government’s approach, and how SSAA Victoria is actively engaged with the Victorian Government to ensure a fair, evidence-based and properly consulted firearm law review in Victoria.
Since our last update, the situation remains fluid. Our approach, however, has not changed: disciplined advocacy, direct engagement with decision-makers, and a relentless focus on evidence over emotion.
What we know
Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay AO APM will oversee a review of Victoria’s firearm laws. While there is still limited clarity around timelines and the precise scope of the review, one thing is clear: this process is not being rushed. That distinction matters, and we are working hard to ensure it remains that way. Victoria is not New South Wales.
The Victorian Government has consistently recognised shooting and hunting as legitimate recreational activities that provide real social, economic, and environmental benefits. The political reasons for supporting shooting have not changed, and our role is to ensure those realities stay front of mind as this process continues.
What we’re doing
SSAA Victoria is not a spectator in this discussion. We are engaged every day with government, ministerial advisers and key stakeholders, making the case clearly, calmly and with evidence.
Victoria’s licensed shooters are safe, responsible, and already among the most tightly regulated in the world. The terrorist attack at Bondi was not a failure of firearm laws. It was a failure to properly apply the laws that already exist – a point we continue to prosecute firmly.
At the same time, we are preparing for every eventuality. That means detailed policy work, targeted briefings for MPs and advisers, and disciplined strategic communications that protect the interests of our members while preserving the credibility this Association has built over three-quarters of a century.
Much of this work happens out of the public eye. But it is deliberate, strategic, and exactly the work your Association exists to do.
What comes next
Parliament resumes in February. Between now and then, the behind-the-scenes work continues. When there are concrete opportunities for member action, whether that’s contacting MPs, participating in consultations, or amplifying key messages, we will let you know clearly and promptly.
It is important to be clear about this: we will not be asking members for money. SSAA Victoria is in a strong financial position, and that is precisely what your membership is for – to ensure your Association has the resources, expertise and resilience to do this work properly.
What we will ask for, when it matters most, is your action. A well-timed email, a measured conversation with a local MP, or support for a coordinated campaign can be decisive. When those moments arise, we will be clear about what is needed and why it matters.
For now, the most important thing you can do is stay informed, stay calm, and stay united. Panic helps no one. Discipline and credibility win outcomes.
Staying informed – at the level you want
All members will continue to receive critical updates as this process develops.
However, we recognise that some members want more detailed, more frequent information. If that sounds like you, we invite you to opt into our dedicated Victorian Firearm Law Review mailing list. Subscribers will receive deeper policy updates, context and analysis – direct to their inbox.
Opting in is entirely voluntary, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
SSAA Victoria will not be reactive, divisive or opportunistic. We will be strategic, evidence-based and relentless in defending the interests of Victoria’s quarter of a million licensed firearm owners.
We are prepared for this challenge. We know how to do this work. And we are doing it – every single day.
We will keep you updated as developments unfold.
January 6, 2026: Update on where we stand and what we’re doing
SSAA Victoria provides an important update on the Ken Lay firearm law review in Victoria. We’re watching the knee-jerk reactions in NSW and working proactively to ensure Victoria doesn’t follow the same path. Here’s what we’re doing behind the scenes, why we’re confident in our approach, and when you’ll need to take action.
Key points covered:
Current status of the Ken Lay review
Our proactive engagement with Spring Street
Why the Bondi tragedy shouldn’t drive Victorian policy
This is a constructive step and a clear signal that Victoria is taking a considered approach rather than rushing to mirror responses seen elsewhere (most strikingly in the rushed, ill-considered and unnecessarily punitive legislation that passed the New South Wales Parliament early on Christmas Eve).
The Victorian Premier’s announcement provides the necessary time and space for evidence-based discussion about firearm regulation and the reality of law-abiding firearm ownership in Victoria. There remains a great deal of work ahead, and we do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation or the stakes involved for our members and for the shooting community more broadly.Nonetheless, we welcome this announcement, thank the Premier, and confirm SSAA Victoria’s commitment, as the State’s largest representative body for firearm owners, to engage responsibly and productively with Mr Lay and his review.
SSAA delivering coordinated advocacy on firearm policy – National strength, local insight
SSAA Victoria stands with the Victorian Jewish community – in shared grief, in solidarity, and in absolute condemnation of the hateful attack perpetrated against them and, by extension, against our wider community and nation. This was not only an assault on innocent Australians; it was an assault on the values that bind and define us as Australians.
In the political aftermath of the terrorist attack in Bondi, SSAA Victoria is providing steady, coordinated leadership for Victoria’s shooting community – working hand-in-glove with SSAA National while engaging directly with state decision-makers and media to protect the interests of licensed, law-abiding firearm owners through calm, considered, credible advocacy.
SSAA Victoria is working closely with SSAA National and key stakeholders to actively shape the response to the rapidly evolving firearm law environment following the terrorist attack in Bondi. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this appalling act of terrorism.
We recognise the seriousness of this moment and the understandable concern it creates for licensed, law-abiding firearm owners. Members can be assured that SSAA Victoria is fully engaged, closely coordinated, and focused on safeguarding the interests of Victoria’s shooting community.
Nationally, SSAA speaks with a single, authoritative voice through the National CEO, drawing on the Association’s scale, credibility, and technical expertise. In Victoria, SSAA Victoria is fulfilling its important role as the state’s peak representative body for shooters and hunters: engaging directly with State and Federal Government decision-makers, briefing media, and ensuring that calm, factual, and evidence-based perspectives are clearly understood where they matter most.
Moments like this reinforce the value of experienced, disciplined advocacy – advocacy that is trusted by government, respected by media, and grounded in a deep understanding of law, policy, and community expectations.
This is not a time for speculation, panic, or rushed conclusions. SSAA Victoria will continue to work methodically and responsibly through this issue, including over the Christmas period if required, and will keep members informed as the situation develops.
A Police Minister Council meeting (PMC) was held virtually on Wednesday 17 December 2025. The meeting was chaired by the Hon Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs. All jurisdictions including New Zealand were represented by Ministers or Senior Officials except New South Wales given the response underway on the Bondi terrorist incident.
Pertinent to firearm laws, the participants agreed to look at options and consult on:
a) Accelerating work on standing up the National Firearms Register;
b) Allowing for additional use of criminal intelligence to underpin firearms licencing that can be used in administrative licencing regimes;
c) Limiting the number of firearms to be held by any one individual;
d) Limiting open-ended firearms licencing and the types of guns that are legal, including modifications; and
e) A condition of a firearm license is holding Australian citizenship.
