Australian Firearm Safe Storage Rules | Checklist + Official State Links
Posted by Jim Noort on 12th Feb 2026
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Call (07) 5601 1838 Last updated: 11 Feb 2026 • Links checked at time of update
Important: This article is general guidance only. Firearms laws and police guidance can change. Always confirm your exact requirements using your state/territory’s official police/firearms registry page (linked below).
If you only read one thing:
- Use a purpose-built firearm safe/cabinet and keep it locked when not in use.
- In many jurisdictions, safes under 150kg empty must be securely fixed/anchored (confirm your state rules).
- Store ammunition in a separate locked container or a separate lockable compartment (state rules vary).
- Control keys/codes: keep them away from the safe and away from unauthorised people.
- Requirements can “step up” fast based on firearm category, quantity, and whether the location is occupied vs unoccupied.
The Australia-Wide Safe Storage Checklist
This is the “inspection-ready” baseline. Tick these off first, then use your state/territory link (below) to confirm the details that apply to your licence and firearms.
1) Proper receptacle
A purpose-built firearm safe/cabinet/secure room — not a DIY cupboard.
2) Anchoring / fixing
If the safe is under a weight threshold (commonly 150kg empty), assume you must bolt it down correctly to structure.
3) Locking standard
Compliant lock type for your state and category (key / digital / combination — requirements can vary by category).
4) Ammunition separation
Ammunition stored in a locked container separate from firearms, or an approved separate lockable compartment (check your state).
5) Key/code control
Keys/codes kept away from the safe and away from unauthorised people. (This is one of the most common compliance trip-ups.)
6) Location matters
“In the house” vs “shed/garage/outbuilding” can change the storage level required — especially for higher categories or higher quantities.
The 3 things that usually change your required storage level
- Category/type of firearm (rules often tighten for higher categories and pistols).
- Quantity stored at the premises (some jurisdictions escalate at 10+).
- Occupied vs unoccupied storage location (e.g., inside a residence vs detached shed).
The “Gotchas” That Cause Most Storage Headaches
These are the things that most often derail otherwise good storage setups — and they’re repeatedly called out in official guidance and inspection checklists.
Avoid this ❌
- Keys left accessible, or codes shared with unauthorised people.
- Safe installed where it’s easily seen (e.g., obvious in an unlocked garage/shed).
- Leaving power tools beside the safe (you’re supplying the break-in kit).
- Ammunition stored loose or not properly separated/locked.
- Buying a safe that’s too small once optics, cases and accessories are added.
Do this ✅
- Anchor properly into structure (correct fixings, correct substrate, correct technique).
- Use a separate lockable ammo compartment or separate locked container.
- Keep keys/codes away from the receptacle and limited to authorised people.
- Choose install location deliberately: privacy + access + compliance.
- Keep your storage “inspection ready” (no rust, no loose bolts, no dodgy locks).
Reality check: a heavier safe is great — but if it isn’t anchored correctly, it can still be moved. And even the best safe becomes a liability if keys/codes are accessible to the wrong person.
Official Police Links by State & Territory
If you’re ever unsure, start here. These are the pages your storage setup should be measured against.
| State / Territory | Official safe storage page | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland (QLD) | QPS – Safe storage of weapons and ammunition | Container material rules, fixing/anchoring thresholds, ammo storage rules. |
| New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Police – Safe Storage | Storage levels, location-based escalation (especially “other storage locations”), ammo separation. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Victoria Police – Firearm storage | Minimum safe/cabinet standards and installation expectations for your licence category. |
| South Australia (SA) | SAPOL – Storage, safety and security | Outbuilding rules, shared storage rules, how quantity impacts requirements. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tas Police – Storage / safekeeping / transport | Inspection expectations and additional requirements for certain categories and 10+ firearms. |
| Western Australia (WA) | WA – Storage and Security (PDF) | WA uses a matrix approach (quantity + category + occupied/unoccupied), with defined alarm/CCTV standards in some scenarios. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Police – Storage requirements | Construction requirements, approved storage types and anchoring guidance. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Policing – Storage | ACT-specific rules for A/B vs 10+ firearms, and additional requirements for certain categories. |
Download Official Police PDFs
Useful for printing, saving, or referencing during an inspection discussion.
- Queensland – Firearms Storage brochure (QPS)
- NSW – Safe Storage Level 1 (Category A/B)
- NSW – Safe Storage Level 2 (Category C/D/H)
- NSW – Ammunition Safe Storage, Acquisition & Possession
- South Australia – Storage of Firearms (1–19 firearms)
- Tasmania – Firearms Storage Inspection Checklist
- Western Australia – Storage & Security (WA Government / WA Police)
FAQ: Quick Answers (Without the Legal Jargon)
These answers are intentionally general. Use your official link above to confirm the exact thresholds and wording for your state/territory.
Do I have to bolt my gun safe down?
In many jurisdictions, safes under a weight threshold (commonly 150kg empty) must be fixed/anchored to the building structure to prevent easy removal. Even if not strictly required for your setup, anchoring is still one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
Can ammunition be stored inside the same safe?
Often yes — but typically only if it’s in a separate lockable compartment inside the firearm safe, or stored in a separate locked container. Rules vary, so check your state/territory guidance.
Can two licence holders share one safe?
Sometimes, yes — but shared access can trigger extra requirements (like separating firearms inside the safe, or notifying the registrar). Always check your state/territory rules before assuming shared storage is fine.
When do alarms or CCTV come into play?
Higher quantities, higher categories, or “unoccupied” storage locations can escalate security requirements. Some jurisdictions have specific standards for alarm monitoring and/or video surveillance in certain scenarios.
Where should I install the safe?
Choose a location that supports compliance and security: difficult to spot, difficult to attack, and suitable for proper anchoring. Avoid leaving it obvious in an unlocked garage/shed, and don’t keep power tools next to it.
Want Help Choosing the Right Safe and Installing It Properly?
If you tell us your state/territory, category, approximate quantity, and where you plan to store the safe (occupied vs unoccupied), we can help you spec a compliant setup and install it correctly. We deliver and install across the Gold Coast and down to Byron Bay and Murwillumbah.