Firearm laws are always a sensitive topic, and rightly so—safety is crucial. But WA Labor’s recent changes to firearm laws have completely missed the mark.
These laws were rushed through without proper consultation, leaving firearm owners and businesses frustrated and ignored. When the regulations were finally revealed—just a week before Christmas—the lack of clarity and consideration was nothing short of madness.
WA already has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, and responsible firearm owners follow them. They register their firearms, comply with strict safety measures, and use them legally. Yet, instead of targeting criminals, these new laws punish law-abiding firearm owners—farmers, business operators, and sporting shooters—who rely on firearms for their work and sport.
I firmly believe the government should be feared by criminals, not law-abiding citizens. But these new laws do the opposite, making everyday West Aussies feel like criminals for simply following the rules.
Who Do These Laws Hurt?
- Farmers use firearms to control pests and protect livestock. WA has ongoing issues with feral animals destroying crops, killing native wildlife, and harming farm animals.
- Pest control businesses rely on firearms to operate. This isn’t a hobby—it’s their livelihood.
- Sporting clubs provide a safe, regulated environment for training and competition. These clubs encourage discipline, skill development, and community spirit.
Yet these groups—who do the right thing—were ignored in the process.
What’s Wrong With These Changes?
- Unrealistic Firearm Limits
The government now limits primary producers and club members to 10 firearms and recreational shooters to 5. This restriction ignores the needs of farmers and sporting shooters, many of whom need different firearms for different jobs or competitions. One recreational shooter told me this law stifles their ability to compete, because their sport requires more than the new legal limit. - Fake Consultation With the Firearm Community
The WA Labor Government’s idea of “consultation” wouldn’t pass the pub test. In May 2024, 31,162 people signed a petition calling for fair treatment of law-abiding firearm owners and a crackdown on unlicensed firearms instead. The government ignored them. - Mandatory Mental Health Checks for Every Firearm Owner
This might sound reasonable at first, but it puts unnecessary strain on an already struggling healthcare system. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) warned that it places “unrealistic burdens” on GPs, who are already overloaded (who else is waiting three weeks for an appointment?). Wouldn’t it make more sense to remove firearms from people who are already known to police for violence or instability?
If firearm owners need mandatory mental health checks, then so should candidates running for Parliament—they have far more power to do harm.
- New Storage Rules Without a Plan
The law now requires firearm owners to store firearms in a 5mm-thick cabinet. While better security is a good idea, these cabinets aren’t easy to access, and the cost is another burden on those who already take safety seriously. - Digital Licensing Confusion
Moving to an online portal for firearm licenses is a great idea in theory—but will it actually be ready by March 31, 2025? Or is the WA Labor government setting firearm owners up to fail with rushed timelines and unclear regulations?
This Was a Missed Opportunity
Updating WA’s firearm laws could have been done the right way—by working with firearm owners, farmers, and sporting clubs to create practical, balanced laws.
Instead, this all feels like a political stunt rather than meaningful reform.
- Law-abiding firearm owners are not criminals. But these changes treat them like they are.
- Real safety means targeting illegal firearms and criminals, not everyday people who follow the rules.
WA Needs Leaders Who Put People Before Politics
These communities deserve a voice in Parliament—someone who will fight for fairness, practicality, and real consultation.
- If elected, I will fight for laws that are based on real safety, not political agendas.
- I will push for proper consultation with firearm owners and industry experts before decisions are made.
- I will ensure legislation affecting your livelihood is clear and developed with your input, not imposed on you without notice.
The WA Labor Government has ignored law-abiding firearm owners. If you want to send them a message, the best way is to vote them out.
Vote for a leader who will fight for fairness and common sense. Vote for an Independent who puts people before politics. Vote 1, below the line, for Christiane Smith.