On 17 December 2000 laws came into effect regarding the possession, use and safe handling of weapons. These laws revised and strengthened existing laws to help make our community safer. Breaking these laws may bring penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
On 17 April 2010 regulatory amendments came into effect, making hand held devices commonly known as laser pointers, designed or adapted to emit a laser beam in excess of 1 milliwatt (mW) a prohibited weapon.
There are three classifications of weapons: Offensive Weapons, Dangerous Articles and Prohibited Weapons.
- It is an offence to carry an offensive weapon without a lawful excuse.
- It is an offence to manufacture, supply, deal in, possess or use a dangerous article without a lawful excuse.
- It is an offence to manufacture, supply, deal in, possess or use a prohibited weapon unless you are exempt.
Legislation
| Description |
Document |
SUMMARY OFFENCES ACT 1953
Sections 5, 15 and 85 as amended by Summary Offences (Offensive and Other Weapons) Amendment Act 1998 which came into operation on 17 December 2000
Section 15A relates to Body Armour.
And
Summary Offences Regulations 2000
(Dangerous Articles And Prohibited Weapons)
|
Summary Offences Act
 PDF (79KB) |
| An information leaflet on Prohibited Weapons & Exemptions, Summary Offences Act & Weapons Regulations |
Information Leaflet
PDF (23KB) |
| The three tiered approach to Weapons Laws |
Weapons law flow-chart
PDF (6KB) |
