To hold a firearms licence in South Australia, an individual must be deemed a
fit and proper person under Section 7 of the
Firearms Act 2015. This assessment ensures that firearms are only accessible to individuals who can safely and responsibly possess them.
A fit and proper person has a reputation for honesty, integrity, and responsible behaviour.
A person may NOT be considered fit and proper if any of the following apply:
- Legal restrictions
- Subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order in any Australian jurisdiction
- Subject to intervention orders or family violence orders (domestic or international)
- Subject to any court order prohibiting firearm possession, including bail conditions
- Health and safety concerns
- Has a physical or mental illness, condition, or disorder that makes firearm possession unsafe
- Has failed to comply with medical reporting requirements issued by the Registrar
- Criminal history
- Found guilty of any firearms offence in Australia
- Found guilty of actual or threatened violence in Australia or overseas
- Found guilty of fraud or deception to obtain a firearms licence or permit
- Found guilty of any prescribed offence under the Firearms Regulations 2017, including offences under:
- Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935
- Controlled Substances Act 1984
- Road Traffic Act 1961
- Summary Offences Act 1953
- Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009
- Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Act 2008
- Tattooing Industry Control Act 2015
- Young Offenders Act 1993
- Correctional Services Act 1982
- Bail Act 1985
- Note: A finding of guilt includes outcomes without conviction.
- Behaviour and associations
- Demonstrates a history of non-compliance with safe handling, storage, or transport of firearms or related materials.
- Has made threats or expressed intent to use firearms for unauthorised or violent purposes
- Has close associates with individuals known to have poor reputations, honesty and integrity or criminal histories.
- Possesses a personal reputation that raises concerns about honesty, integrity, or stability
- Other considerations
The Registrar may consider
any other relevant factors that suggest the person may pose a risk to public safety or misuse firearms.
- Have a genuine reason for owning or using a firearm, aligned with one of the 12 licence categories (e.g., hunting, sport shooting, occupational use)
- Provide proof of identity (100-point ID check)
- Comply with strict requirements for safe storage, handling and transport of firearms
The Act also aims to:
- Promote safe and responsible firearm use
- Prevent access to firearms for criminal purposes
- Minimise risks of violence, injury, or psychological harm
- Support a nationally consistent approach to firearm control