On 1 July 2024, the National Firearms Register (NFR) Implementation Program commenced. This followed National Cabinet’s agreement on 6 December 2023 to implement a register. The NFR delivers on an outstanding reform from the 1996 Port Arthur response.
The NFR will be designed as an integrated system that connects and draws information from existing Commonwealth, state and territory firearms registries, portals and management systems into one central register.
This will provide a life cycle view of registered firearms in Australia, delivering timely and accurate information on firearms, firearm owners and licences across all jurisdictions. The NFR will enhance police and community safety and improve law enforcement capability.
National Firearms Register Program delivery timeline
The NFR Program is a 4-year initiative and is expected to be operational by mid-2028.
Benefits of the National Firearms Register
The NFR will draw information from existing firearms registries, online portals and firearm management systems. It will deliver, in near-real time:
- nationwide tracing of firearms across Australia’s international and domestic borders
- secure nationwide sharing of information on firearms, firearms owners and licences
- national licence verification service for law enforcement and firearms dealers
- national alert and notification function for law enforcement about high-risk information or events
- reporting and analysis functions to understand national firearms trends.
The NFR will put in place more consistent and efficient processes to administer and verify firearms licences. This is expected to improve user experience.
Further Information:
Contact:
For further information or any enquiries regarding the National Firearms Register, please contact: nfr@police.nsw.gov.au