Replica / Imitation Guns can be owned in most of Australia with the right state laws and / or permits.
In Australia, the possession, use, and importation of replica guns are regulated under state and federal laws.
In QLD and WA no license is needed for non-firing replica guns of any form, in SA Denix made replica guns cannot be made to fire and so under SA law don’t need regulation / license (but check with SAPOL, as they can sometimes differ on interpretations of their own laws).
Replica / Imitation guns, which can range from toy guns to exact replicas of real firearms, do have potential to be mistaken for real weapons, and so are treated as restricted items in QLD for example (yet not requiring of any license, just reasonable excuse and responsible ownership).
In most Australian states and territories, replicas are categorised as either imitation firearms or replica firearms, and the legalities will vary slightly from QLD and WA where no license is needed at all.
For instance, Victoria (VIC) requires membership to a listed historical, collecting or re-enactment body for ownership of replica guns without license (this is known as the Governor In Council Exemption). Otherwise a permit is needed.
South Australia (SA) laws state that an imitation gun that cannot easily be converted to fire / is made of a low grade material (such as the Zamack zinc alloy ours are made from), are considered to not require regulation / license. However SAPOL should be contacted to clarify this if looking to own one as sometimes they have ambiguity over how their own laws are interpreted on metal replicas even if made of low grade materials and cannot be readily converted. We are still seeking more clarity from SAPOL on this issue.
New South Wales (NSW) rrequires an imitation weapons permit from NSW Police is before importing any replica / imitation gun into NSW.
Other states will require some form of permit or license.
Replica guns are often used in film and television productions, historical reenactments, or as collector's items becasue they are safe alterantive to the real thing, yet look the part.
However, their realistic appearance means they can easily cause public alarm if displayed or used irresponsibly. The laws governing replicas reflect Australia’s broader commitment to stringent gun control, which has been key to maintaining its low rate of gun violence.
These measures ensure that while enthusiasts and professionals may still access replicas, public safety remains paramount.
Even if your state allows easy ownership of replica / imitation guns reasonable and sensible storage and use is demanded. Causing public alarm, using them to commit a crime or intimidate will be considered treated harshly.
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