Firearms & Weapons Licence Lawyers Serving Nowra, Batemans Bay, the Southern Highlands, and Queanbeyan

Having a firearms licence refused, suspended, or revoked can have serious personal and professional consequences, particularly for primary producers, security workers, collectors, and recreational shooters. In New South Wales, firearms licensing decisions are strictly regulated, and appeals must be handled carefully and within strict time limits.

At Douglass & Ford, we assist clients with firearms licence appeals, suspensions, and revocations. With over 20 years of combined criminal and regulatory law experience, our lawyers provide clear advice and strong representation to help you challenge decisions and protect your rights.

How our firearms licence lawyers can help you

We understand how important your firearms licence may be for work, farming, sport shooting, or collection purposes. Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcome through:

• Reviewing the decision to refuse, suspend, or revoke: We carefully assess the reasons provided by NSW Police Firearms Registry and identify errors or weak grounds.
• Preparing and lodging appeals: We assist with formal appeals to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) where appropriate.
• Challenging suitability assessments: We address concerns relating to “fit and proper person” tests, criminal history, or alleged risk factors.
• Representing you in hearings: We appear in tribunal proceedings and present evidence supporting your entitlement to hold a licence.
• Advising on safe storage and compliance issues: We help ensure compliance with storage requirements and rectify issues that may have triggered enforcement action.
• Managing related criminal or AVO matters: We coordinate firearms appeals with any concurrent domestic violence, criminal, or AVO proceedings.

What can affect a firearms licence in NSW?

Under NSW law, a firearms licence may be refused, suspended, or revoked for reasons including:

• Criminal charges or convictions
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
• Allegations of domestic violence
• Concerns about mental health or substance use
• Unsafe storage or handling of firearms
• Failure to meet “fit and proper person” requirements
• Breaches of firearms legislation or licence conditions

Even allegations (not just convictions) can impact your licence status.

Types of firearms licence decisions you can appeal

You may be able to challenge:

• Refusal of a firearms licence application
• Suspension of an existing firearms licence
• Revocation of a firearms licence
• Refusal to renew a firearms licence
• Conditions imposed on a licence
• Firearms prohibition orders (in some circumstances)

Each decision requires a tailored legal response based on the facts of your case.

The firearms appeal process in NSW

Firearms licence matters are generally reviewed through administrative and tribunal processes, including:

• Internal review by NSW Police (in some cases)
• Appeal to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
• Presentation of evidence and witness statements
• Assessment of suitability and public safety considerations
• Final determination by a tribunal member

Strict time limits often apply, so early legal advice is essential.

Factors the tribunal considers

When deciding firearms appeals, NCAT may consider:

• Whether you are a “fit and proper person”
• Your criminal and domestic violence history
• Compliance with firearms laws and regulations
• Risk to public safety
• Purpose for holding a firearms licence (work, sport, collection)
• Evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances
• Character references and supporting documentation

Possible outcomes of a firearms licence appeal

The tribunal may:

• Reinstate your firearms licence
• Overturn a refusal or revocation decision
• Impose conditions on your licence
• Uphold the police decision (appeal unsuccessful)
• Require additional compliance measures before reinstatement

A strong legal submission can significantly improve your chances of success.