Firearm Reform Advocacy
As previously reported here and here, the NSW and Federal Governments rapidly made changes to their respective Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) and Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth) in the wake of the tragic Bondi terrorist attack.
Subsequently, the ACT have introduced a bill to parliament to change their Firearms Act 1996 (ACT), whilst Victoria and Tasmania are still pondering their options. The common theme across jurisdictions is the proposed “re-classification” of firearms with a straight-pull action (regardless of calibre, function or purpose - other than air-rifles or lasers) to the highly restrictive Category C – as opposed to their prior classification as Category A. Thankfully, Queensland and South Australia have maintained their status quo with regard to straight-pulls – for now.
BA immediately commenced advocating on behalf of its members and the sport ever since news broke in late December 2025 / early January 2026.
BA has made written submissions to the Commonwealth, the ACT, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria. BA’s chair, David Windsor, appeared at a hearing before the ACT’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs’ inquiry into Legislation on proposed firearms reform. BA’s submission to the ACT is here.
It is still relatively early days. The Commonwealth changes are effective, whilst the NSW changes have yet to be ‘proclaimed’ and as such are not yet in effect. We continue to actively engage with both jurisdictions and hope to see some ‘fixes’ in the coming month/s. BA continues to work very closely and collaboratively with the Commonwealth’s Department of Home Affairs and the NSW Firearm’s Registry / Police (who are responsible for overseeing their respective firearm laws). Together we have been working on solutions to ensure that biathlon rifles (.22LR rimfires with a straight-pull action) can continue to be lawfully imported into Australia and sold to, owned and used by our members and international visiting biathletes.
Similarly, our friends and strategic allies at the NRAA have also been actively advocating on behalf of their members and the biathlon community – for which we are extremely grateful.
Unilateral action in NSW or federally by any one or more persons could derail that process and we kindly ask that you refrain from ‘lobbying’ for change at this time – as this risks inundating the relevant departments with mixed messages, competing demands and simply more stuff to deal with. We are working with NSW and the Feds in good faith and so far it’s looking promising – but no promises.
We’re also glad to report that during January – April all of Australia’s touring biathletes were able to return to Australia with their rifles without incident despite the immediate changes to the Commonwealth’s ‘prohibited imports’ regulations. BA’s executive officer, Robyn McEvoy, together with the Australian Olympic Committee’s Jake Anson worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs / Border Force to ensure seamless re-entry into Australia for all our travelling team members – from youth through to masters; big thanks to Alex and the team at Home Affairs – you’ve been great.
That said, we note that it is essential that all members travelling in and out of Australia familiar themselves with and abide by the updated federal regulations – read more about that here:
https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/firearms/restricted-goods-permit
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/files/firearm-factsheets/returned-goods-test-fact-sheet.pdf.
That said, this email is not legal advice – nor does it predict the future. BA, its Board members, and personnel will not provide you with legal advice. What we will do is continue to advocate and work hard on behalf of our members and the sport of biathlon. We will work with the various State, Territory and Federal Governments. They all know about us and are aware of the uniquely bespoke and highly specialised nature of biathlon rifles.
In the meantime, we continue to apply for and be successful with grant applications. We are recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation for the sport of biathlon in Australia, we are in excellent standing with the IBU, BIU, Sports Integrity Australia, Paralympics Australia, and the Australian Olympic Committee. We look forward to celebrating our 50th birthday, the grand opening of the new Jindabyne facility, the upcoming domestic season including camps, and the National and Australian Championships.
We remain focused on solutions and the survival of our sport.
Ski Fast | Shoot Straight | Be Patient
Dave, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Kat, Kate, Mark & Murray
