Gun Safe Requirements Australia by State

Gun safe requirements in Australia are set by each state and territory, but all of them require licensed firearm owners to lock their firearms in a secure receptacle when they are not being used or carried, keep ammunition in a separate locked container, and fix lighter safes to the building. The details differ a lot, though. Victoria requires purpose-built steel at least 1.6 mm thick, South Australia sets 2 mm and 3 mm safe levels, Western Australia now calls for 3 mm faces and a 6 mm door at its lowest level, and Queensland is phasing out timber cabinets in March 2027.

This guide summarises the storage rules for each jurisdiction as we understand them in October 2026, based on the legislation and police guidance. It is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, and several states have reformed their firearms laws recently, so always confirm the current requirements with your state or territory firearms registry before you buy or install a safe.

What this guide covers

The rules that are common to every state and territory
A comparison table of storage requirements by jurisdiction
A summary for Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory
Handgun (Category H) and ammunition storage
Bolting down a gun safe, and choosing the right size
What to check before you buy, plus answers to common questions

Gun safe requirements in Australia: the common ground

Although each jurisdiction writes its own law, the storage rules follow a similar structure:

Licence categories drive the standard. Category A and B firearms (the categories most hunters and farmers hold) have the baseline rules. Category C, D and H (handguns) almost always need a stronger steel safe and stricter fixing.
Locked, purpose-built and hard to penetrate. The firearm must be in a locked receptacle that cannot easily be broken into. More states now specify minimum steel thickness or require a commercially manufactured gun safe.
Fixing below a weight threshold. Most jurisdictions require a receptacle under 150 kg empty to be fixed to the building. For Category C, D and H, NSW, Queensland (for D, H and R), the ACT and the NT require bolting regardless of weight. WA uses a 500 kg anchoring threshold.
Ammunition kept separately. Ammunition goes in a separate locked container, which in most states can be a lockable compartment inside the gun safe.
Keys and codes. Several states have specific rules about where the key or code is kept.
Inspections. Police can inspect your storage, and in some states an inspection is needed before you can acquire a firearm.

If you are new to firearm ownership, our short explainer on whether you need a gun safe covers the basics before you get into state detail.

Storage requirements by state: comparison table

This table is a simplified summary of the minimum storage for an ordinary licence holder with a small number of firearms at home. Larger holdings, collectors, dealers and storage away from home attract extra requirements.

State or territory	Category A and B	Category C, D and H	Fixing	Ammunition
VIC	Purpose-built steel receptacle, at least 1.6 mm (AS/NZS 1594:2002)	Same steel standard; key carried or kept in a separate room	Bolted if under 150 kg	Separate locked container; two-compartment unit accepted
NSW	Commercially made safe of steel or hardwood	Commercially made steel safe	A/B fixed if under 150 kg; C/D/H always bolted	Separate approved locked container or integral steel compartment
QLD	Solid steel or solid timber (steel only from 12 March 2027)	Solid steel for D, H and R; C as for A/B	A/B/C fixed if under 150 kg; D/H/R always bolted	Separate secure container or area
WA	Level 1: 3 mm faces and 6 mm door, or Grade V safe	C: Level 1; H: Level 2 (6 mm faces, 10 mm door); D: secure room or strongroom	Anchored if under 500 kg, rated to 100 kN	Locked accessory compartment if in the same container
SA	Level 1 safe (2 mm) under main roof; Level 2 (3 mm) in an outbuilding	Level 2 safe (3 mm)	Bolted if under 150 kg, at least 2 anchors	Separate locked container or compartment
TAS	Metal at least 2 mm, or concrete	Metal at least 3 mm, or concrete	Fixed if under 150 kg, at 4 points	Separate locked receptacle or compartment, different key
ACT	Approved receptacle of hardwood or steel	Approved steel safe	A/B fixed if under 150 kg; C/D/H always bolted	Separate approved locked container
NT	Solid steel, 3 mm (or 2 mm if reinforced)	Solid steel, 6 mm (or 3 mm sides and 6 mm door with approval)	A/B fixed if under 150 kg; C/D/H always bolted	Separate locked container with a different lock

State and territory rules in detail

Victoria

Victoria’s rules are in Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act 1996. Since 30 August 2022, Category A and B longarms must be stored to the same standard as Category C and D longarms and general category handguns: a purpose-built steel receptacle at least 1.6 mm thick complying with AS/NZS 1594:2002, bolted to the structure if under 150 kg empty, and locked with a sturdy lock. Hardwood is no longer accepted for these licences, although it is still allowed for heirloom licences.

For Category C, D and handguns, the key must be carried by the licence holder or kept securely in a separate room. An intruder alarm to AS 2201.1:2007 is needed if more than 15 firearms are stored at the premises. Ammunition goes in a separate locked container, and Victoria Police accepts a single unit with two separately lockable compartments. Our article on gun safe requirements in Victoria, explained in full covers collectors, heirlooms, inspections and penalties.

New South Wales

Under section 40 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), Category A and B firearms must be kept in a locked receptacle of hardwood or steel that is not easily penetrable, fixed if it weighs under 150 kg, with solid metal locks. Section 41 requires Category C, D and H firearms to be kept in a locked steel safe bolted to the structure. The Commissioner’s 2024 Instruments of Approval add that the safe must be commercially manufactured and designed for firearms, with three-point locking (or equivalent) for Category A and B and at least four anchor points for Category C, D and H.

Firearms stored somewhere other than your home, or a place easily observed from an inhabited dwelling, need trigger or barrel locks, a remotely monitored safe alarm and a monitored intruder alarm. From 1 July 2026, a Permit to Acquire is not issued until a safe storage inspection has been passed for the nominated address. NSW also introduced limits on how many firearms a licence holder can acquire from 24 December 2025. See our full breakdown of NSW gun safe requirements for the detail.

Queensland

Section 94 of the Weapons Regulation 2016 requires weapons to be stored unloaded, with the bolt removed or action broken, in a locked container that is a rigid structure. For Category A, B and C weapons the container can currently be solid steel or solid timber, fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building if under 150 kg. Category D, H and R weapons need solid steel, always bolted down. Locks must be a sturdy combination lock, keyed lock or keyed padlock.

The key change is the end of timber. Queensland Police says that from 12 March 2027, containers for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons must be solid steel. Holdings of more than 30 weapons at one premises move to collector-level storage. Read about the Queensland storage rules and the 2027 steel deadline before upgrading.

Western Australia

WA’s Firearms Act 2024 and Firearms Regulations 2024 commenced on 31 March 2025 and brought in the most detailed storage regime in the country. The regulations define three storage levels. Level 1 is a compliant container with faces at least 3 mm thick and a door at least 6 mm thick, or a Grade V safe. Level 2 is 6 mm faces and a 10 mm door, or a Grade V safe. Level 3 is a Grade V safe, secure room or strongroom.

The level you need depends on firearm category, number and whether the storage place is someone’s home. For five or fewer Category A or B firearms, Level 1 applies. A Category H firearm at home needs Level 2, and any Category D firearm needs a secure room or strongroom with alarm and video surveillance. Containers under 500 kg must be anchored with fixings rated to withstand 100 kN. Some existing owners can keep using a cabinet that met the old 1974 standard until they acquire another firearm. Our guide to WA’s new storage levels in detail explains the tables and transitional rules.

South Australia

South Australia’s Code of Practice is Schedule 1 of the Firearms Regulations 2017. For 1 to 19 firearms, Category A and B only, kept under the main roof, need a Level 1 safe (body and door of structural grade steel at least 2 mm). Category A and B kept in an outbuilding, or any Category C, D or H firearm, need a Level 2 safe (at least 3 mm). Safes must have a recessed or flush door and three-point locking or a covered heavy-duty external lock, and safes under 150 kg must be bolted down with at least two anchor points.

Holdings of 20 or more firearms step up to CCTV and intruder alarm requirements, and 50 or more (or 30 or more Category H) require a strongroom. The count includes everyone’s firearms at the premises. Our article on South Australian safe levels and storage tiers has the full breakdown.

Tasmania

Tasmania’s storage requirements are prescribed under section 85 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Tas). The Firearms Regulations 2026, which apply from 19 October 2026 and replace the 2016 regulations, require a locked receptacle that is not easily penetrable and is made of concrete, or of metal at least 2 mm thick for Category A and B or at least 3 mm thick for Category C, D and H. It must have an internal locking mechanism and either internal hinges or a mechanism that stops the door opening if the hinges are removed.

A receptacle under 150 kg empty must be fixed with internal masonry-fixing bolts or coach screws at 2 points to a wall and 2 to the floor, or 4 points to a wall, or 4 points to the floor. Ammunition must be in a separate locked receptacle or compartment that cannot be opened with the same key. If you hold any Category H firearm, or 10 or more firearms, the premises must also have an electronic security device such as an audible or monitored alarm, or a recording camera system. Confirm the current position with Tasmania Police Firearms Services.

Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, sections 181 and 182 of the Firearms Act 1996 (ACT) set the storage rules. Category A and B (and paintball marker) licence holders must use a locked receptacle of a type approved by the registrar, made of hardwood or steel so it is not easily penetrable, fixed in position if under 150 kg empty, and secured by solid metal locks of an approved type. Category C, D and H firearms must be in a locked steel safe of an approved type that cannot be easily penetrated, bolted to the structure of the premises.

In both cases ammunition must be in a separate approved locked container, and the regulations can add further requirements. A licensee can satisfy the registrar that alternative storage of at least the same standard has been provided. Because the regulations can add further requirements, ask the ACT Firearms Registry for its current storage guidelines before buying.

Northern Territory

The Firearms Regulations 1997 (NT) set out construction standards in their schedules. For Category A and B, the receptacle’s sides and door must be solid steel at least 3 mm thick, or 2 mm if the construction ensures rigidity or has extra reinforcing, with rolled or folded edges, a recessed or flush door, secured hinges and at least 2 bolt-down points. It must be fixed to a wall or floor if under 150 kg empty.

Category C, D and H firearms need a safe of solid steel at least 6 mm thick in the sides and door (or 3 mm sides and a 6 mm door if inspected and approved by the Commissioner), with non-removable hinges and internal locks, bolted to a wall or floor. Category C and D safes need at least 2 locking bolts. Ammunition must be in a separate locked container with a different lock, and its key or code kept separately from the safe’s. Check the current position with NT Police.

Handgun (Category H) storage

Handguns usually face the strictest standard in each state. In NSW, Queensland, the ACT and the NT they must be in a steel safe or container that is bolted down whatever its weight. In WA a Category H firearm at home needs Level 2 storage, in SA it needs a Level 2 safe, and in Tasmania any Category H firearm triggers an electronic security device requirement. Pistol club members often also need to think about transport cases and range storage. Our guide to handgun safe requirements for Category H licence holders covers these points and how to choose a pistol safe.

Ammunition storage

Every jurisdiction requires ammunition to be locked away separately from firearms, but the detail varies. Victoria and NSW accept a lockable compartment inside the gun safe. SA and the NT require that the key or code for the ammunition container cannot open the firearms safe, and must be stored separately. WA limits what can go in the ammunition compartment of a gun container. Read our article on ammunition storage requirements in each state for a side-by-side comparison and product options.

Bolting down your gun safe

Almost every home gun safe weighs less than 150 kg empty, so in practice nearly every safe must be fixed to the building, and in several states Category C, D and H safes must be bolted regardless. The fixing rules differ: SA asks for at least two anchors, NSW police guidance and Tasmania call for four, and WA specifies fixings rated to 100 kN across two faces. Our guide on how to bolt down a gun safe properly explains anchor types for concrete and timber floors, and our older article on why safes should be bolted down covers the security reasons.

If you would rather have it done by a professional, we provide gun safe installation in Melbourne and through our national network.

Choosing the right size gun safe

The number of guns printed on a safe usually assumes slim, unscoped rifles. Scopes, bolt handles and shotguns take up more room, and you may add firearms later. In NSW, new caps on the number of firearms also change how big you need to go. Our guide on how to choose the right size gun safe walks through real capacity, internal ammunition compartments and height.

Choosing a gun safe that will pass inspection

Whatever state you are in, these points will help your safe meet the rules and pass an inspection:

Check the steel thickness of the body and the door against your state’s minimum. In WA and SA, the door and body thickness are spelled out.
Buy for the highest category you may hold. If you might add a Category C, D or H firearm, buy to that standard now.
Look for pre-drilled anchor holes on the base and back, so the safe can be fixed to both floor and wall.
Choose a lock you will manage well. Our comparison of which lock suits a gun safe: key, digital or combination covers reliability and key control.
Plan the ammunition storage, either an internal lockable compartment or a separate ammunition safe.
Keep the paperwork, including the specification sheet and installation details, for your inspection.

You can browse our gun and rifle safes from CMI, Guardall, Platinum, Secuguard and Chubb. In our current range, pistol safes start from around $271 (Secuguard SHS1K), rifle cabinets from around $519 (Guardall G2), and larger models such as the Platinum Hunter Rifle HR24 are around $4,306 to $4,425. Ammunition safes start from around $307. Prices change, so check the product page for the current price.

We also stock used safes, which can be good value if the specification suits your state. Our checklist of what to check before buying a used safe is worth reading first.

Moving, replacing or removing a gun safe

If you move house, you must tell your firearms registry about the new storage address (within 14 days in Victoria, NSW and SA), and the safe must be refitted to the same standard at the new address. Our gun safe relocation service can move and re-fix a gun safe, and our timeline for moving house with a safe helps you plan. If a rule change means you are upgrading, such as Queensland’s move to steel, we can arrange removal of an old safe or cabinet.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the gun safe requirements in Australia?

Each state and territory sets its own rules, but all require firearms to be stored in a locked receptacle that is not easily penetrable when not in use, with ammunition locked separately. Most require safes under 150 kg to be fixed to the building, and Category C, D and H firearms need a stronger steel safe. Check your own state’s registry for the exact specification.

Does every state require a gun safe to be bolted down?

In practice, yes for most home gun safes. Victoria, NSW (Category A and B), Queensland (Category A, B and C), SA, Tasmania, the ACT (Category A and B) and the NT require fixing if the safe weighs under 150 kg empty. NSW, the ACT and the NT require Category C, D and H safes to be bolted regardless. WA requires anchoring for compliant containers under 500 kg.

Can I keep ammunition in my gun safe?

Usually only in a separate locked compartment or container. Every jurisdiction requires ammunition to be locked separately from firearms. Victoria and NSW accept a gun safe with a separately lockable internal compartment, while SA, Tasmania and the NT add rules that the ammunition lock must use a different key or code. Check your state’s specific rules before relying on an internal compartment.

Is a timber gun cabinet legal in Australia?

It depends on the state and category. Victoria stopped accepting hardwood for Category A and B longarms in August 2022. Queensland allows solid timber for Category A, B and C until 12 March 2027. NSW and the ACT still allow hardwood for Category A and B, with NSW requiring a commercially manufactured safe. Tasmania, SA, the NT and WA specify steel or concrete.

Will police inspect my gun safe?

They can. In Victoria and SA, police may inspect your storage at any reasonable time, and in NSW allowing an inspection is a condition of every licence. In Victoria an inspection is required when you first obtain a firearm or change storage address, and from 1 July 2026 NSW will not issue a Permit to Acquire until a safe storage inspection has been passed.

Visit our Tullamarine showroom

With a combined 50+ years’ experience in safes, our family-owned team can help you match a gun safe to your state’s rules and your licence categories. Visit our showroom at 38 Barrie Rd, Tullamarine VIC 3043 to see over 350 new and used safes, call 0409 860 011, or contact us online. We deliver Australia-wide.

Gun Safe Requirements in Australia: A State-by-State Storage Guide