Arabic version: بدء تطبيق شرط الجنسية للحصول على رخصة سلاح في كوينزلاند

According to ABC News, Queensland firearm licence applications rose 21 per cent in March 2026 from the same month a year earlier, as new restrictions on weapons licences took effect on August 3.

Under the changes, only Australian citizens are eligible for a Queensland weapons licence. Non-citizens will require an exemption for sport or work. The figures from Queensland Police recorded 2,387 new firearm licence applications in March, compared with 1,971 in March 2025. Applications between January and April were up 19 per cent, with more than 1,200 additional applications compared with the same period in 2025.

Aaron Lemphers, who runs firearms training services in almost 70 locations across Queensland, said enquiries rose after the December attack. Applicants must complete a Queensland Police-approved safety course before applying for a gun licence. Mr Lemphers said he had hired four additional training contractors over the past six months to meet demand.

University of Queensland criminologist associate professor Suzanna Fay said concerns about possible legislative changes were likely one factor behind the increase, but it was unlikely there was a single explanation. She also pointed to a longer-term national trend of more women taking part in recreational shooting and shooting sports. Figures to the end of May showed Queensland had 234,732 issued weapons licences and 1,171,717 registered weapons.

The remaining state government reforms are due to take effect in 2027. Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park said members were concerned that further restrictions could follow, while industry representatives said some families had encouraged spouses or adult relatives to obtain licences.