Queensland is set to introduce the toughest gun laws in the country, with sweeping reforms aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and terrorists and strengthening community safety.
Legislation to be introduced to Parliament this week will significantly increase penalties for illegal firearms, introduce new offences targeting drive-by shootings, and address emerging threats such as 3D-printed weapons.
The reforms form the next stage of the Crisafulli Government’s response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and recent incidents of gun violence.
Under the proposed laws, trafficking firearms or ammunition would attract a maximum penalty of life imprisonment — the highest in Australia. Police will also be granted strengthened powers to disrupt illegal firearm trafficking networks and prevent weapons from circulating in the community.
A new offence will be created to prohibit the reckless discharge of a weapon towards a building or vehicle, a move aimed at curbing the rise in drive-by shootings, including attacks on places of worship.
The Bill also expands police powers to consider a broader range of factors when determining a person’s eligibility to hold a weapons licence, including any history of violence, threatened violence or weapons-related offending. New requirements would further restrict weapons licences to Australian citizens, subject to limited exemptions.
Premier David Crisafulli said the legislation sent a clear message to criminals and extremists.
“These laws are tough, targeted and designed to make Queensland safer,” he said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the reforms would equip police with modern tools to combat organised crime and extremism.
“This Bill ensures criminals and terrorists who misuse firearms face the toughest possible consequences,” he said. “It strengthens licensing laws, targets the rise in drive-by shootings and addresses emerging threats like 3D-printed weapons.
“These reforms are aimed squarely at criminals, not law-abiding Queenslanders.”
