Queensland bans non-citizen gun licences as applications surge 21% in March

Queensland introduced new firearms legislation that, starting August 3, limits gun licences to Australian citizens unless a specific exemption for sporting or occupational purposes is granted. The policy arrives amid a 21% increase in licence applications in March 2026, a rise that followed Premier David Crisafulli's announcement of reforms after the Bondi Beach terror incident. Queensland Police data show 2,387 new applications in March, with a 19% rise from January to April compared with the same period last year.

Aaron Lemphers, who runs one of the state's largest firearms training networks, said demand spiked the weekend after the attack, leading his firm to hire additional contractors. In North Queensland, Bowen Sporting Shooters Association president Marty Duggan noted a growing number of women seeking licences, often encouraged by spouses. Criminologist Suzanna Fay highlighted that the increase likely stems from multiple drivers, including worries about further legal changes and a national trend of more women entering shooting sports. Advocacy group Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park warned that looming federal buy-back proposals could push families to secure licences now to retain firearms for work and heritage purposes.