In Australia, there’s many different reasons for owning a firearm—whether it’s for recreational shooting, target practice, collecting, or work-related purposes. Regardless of the reason, owning a firearm requires a deep understanding of the laws, risks, and responsibilities that come with it.
A firearm is a very powerful tool and one unlike any other. It can be used to protect, manage, and defend, but when mishandled, has the potential to lead to serious harm. Even when used correctly, owning and operating a firearm comes with potential risks, making safety, knowledge and awareness incredibly important. That’s why firearm ownership is so tightly regulated, and why safety training is a mandatory part of the licensing process.
In Queensland, it is a mandatory step to take a firearms and weapons safety course in order to apply for a licence. The course is about providing the knowledge necessary to be safe, legal, and confident when handling a firearm—regardless of how often the firearm will be used.
Whether a firearm is being used on remote property, at a shooting range, or even just stored at home, the same core principles always apply. It’s crucial to understand how the law works—what’s permitted and what isn’t.
A firearms and weapons safety course teaches participants important aspects and responsibilities of firearms—how to securely store them, how to transport them legally, and how to handle them in a way that minimises risk to those involved. It builds awareness of the environment, actions, and potential consequences of even the smallest mistakes. It’s about learning to prevent accidents before they happen, and making decisions that reflect care, caution, and respect for the weapon.
It’s not only professionals, or those who live in the outback who benefit from knowing how to handle a firearm safely. Anyone interested in recreational shooting, curious about collecting, or simply wanting to understand their rights and responsibilities as a potential license holder will benefit greatly from a safety course.
Anyone considering applying for a firearm license needs to understand that merely having the ticket doesn’t automatically make someone experienced. The strong foundation found in the course needs to be accompanied by ongoing awareness, personal discipline and attitude, and a major respect for the firearm and the potential harm it could cause.
When obtaining a firearm license, you step into a role that demands trust and responsibility that contributes to the safety of yourself as well as those around you.
