What are the laws in Australia for purchasing and obtaining a firearm?

• must be over the age of 18 for a firearm licence. But can apply for firearm minor permit if under 18 years. 

(1) identify your 'genuine reason' for wanting a gun licence: sport/target shooting,  recreational hunting, primary production, pest control, business or employment, rural occupation, animal welfare, firearm collector.

(2) Depending on your genuine reason/s you will need to provide the required proof for that genuine reasons i.e.: proof of club membership, proof of employment, proof below to collector society, proof from accountant or solicitor that you are primary producer or employer that you are a security guard etc.

(3) obtain an application form for a  firearm licence

(4) Complete a multi-day firearm safety course. Pass a written test and practical assessment which will provide certificate that you have passed and completed course.

(5) Compile your firearm application form:

• Identify your genuine reasons for a firearm
• Identify Category of firearm you require: A, B, C, D and/or H. For  D (most lethal firearms. For category D (Self-loading rifles and shotguns), applicant must show "special reason" as to why the applicant needs such a firearm and why a less lethal firearm would not fit the purpose.
• attach safety training completion certificate
• declaration that you meet safe storage requirements for the firearm category you are seeking. Firearm storage is generally not inspected but random checks are allowed.

• sexual offences
• Violent offences
• Offences related to prohibited drugs
• Robbery
• Terrorism-related offences
• Offences relating to organised crime and criminal groups
• Firearms or weapons offences
• Fraud, dishonesty and stealing offences5) Wait at least 28 days for checks to be conducted and application processed.

1. Lodge a permit to acquire (PTA) application. A PTA must be lodged for each firearm
2. The firearm type must correspond with the firearm licence category you have
3. On the PTA form the applicant must:

 to identify address where firearms will be stored.

Type of firearm category they are seeking

declare can comply with safekeeping requirements and have a good reason for acquiring the firearm. The good reason must relate to the 'genuine reason'.

1. For permit to acquire a handgun (include semi-automatic) official from pistol club must complete part of the form
2. attached the fee required
3. send PTA application to Firearm Registry
4. There is a mandatory  28 day waiting period to complete further background checks. If your PTA is for a second or subsequent hunting rifle then background checks are not conducted.
5. Once you have the PTA you take it and firearm licence  to Licensed Firearms Dealer
6. You can purchase a firearm/s
7. Firearm dealer will notify Firearms Registry of the purchase.
8. The firearm will be recorded on the Firearms Registry database system