- Does the NFR mean that we will be taking the same licensing approach as Western Australia?
No. As each jurisdiction remains responsible for all aspects of firearm licensing, possession, storage, and usage, the Northern Territory will continue to ensure that legislative changes are only implemented after consultation with licence holders and other key stakeholders. Legislative changes as part of NFR will not include wholesale changes to the licensing regime and will not implement limitations on the number of firearms that can be owned.
- What are the benefits as a registered firearms owner?
The National Firearms Register (NFR) creates an opportunity to improve national consistency for firearms management. Greater consistency, and other efficiencies achieved through system upgrades and digitising portals, will improve firearm owners’, industry, and dealer experience.
- I have registered my firearms in the NT for quite some time, do I need to present this information again?
Yes, as part of the NFR project, we require all firearms licence holders to complete the self-check form which includes providing updated photos of your firearms.
This will enable records to be checked before they are uploaded to the NFR, giving peace of mind to licence holders that their information is complete and in accordance with the NFR requirements.
- If firearm legislation is effected by a National Firearms Register, are there plans to align all state and territory licence fees? Does a National Firearms register affect legislation surrounding Storage, Categorisation for Licensing and ownership?
Changes to legislation and regulations will focus on optimising the register's operation, including the establishment of National Data Standards, promoting consistent business practices, and facilitating the access to and exchange of information within the NFR.
State and territory governments will continue to oversee all aspects of firearm licensing, possession, storage, and usage, while the Commonwealth will remain in charge of regulating the import and export of firearms.
Licence holders will be given an opportunity to provide feedback on all planned legislative and regulatory changes.
- Who would have access to the National Firearms Register? How would this access be protected?
The NFR is only for law enforcement and select government agencies, it will not be accessible by the general public. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission which will operate the NFR, currently operate a number of highly sensitive national policing systems.
The NFR will operate in accordance with established safeguards that govern access to and use of information in Australian policing information systems.
- How much will we pay each year?
It is not anticipated that the NFR initiative will cause any changes to current fees or charges. Fees and charges will remain the responsibility of the individual states and territories and any changes to legislation are intended to be confined to enabling the administration of the NFR.
- Sounds like a scam...prove you are real
The NFR is a nationwide initiative. For concerns about the veracity of our email or the project, please visit https://pfes.nt.gov.au/police/firearmsweapons/national-firearms-register
You do not need to click on the link provided if you have concerns, but rather by accessing it on your browser. On that page you will find information about the project, why it is happening and will, hopefully, allay any concerns you may have.
- I note the requirement to complete the National Firearms Register but I am currently away. When do I need to do this by?
At present, no specific due date has been set but licence holders are expected to complete the request as soon as possible. Licence holders are reminded that conditions of their licence include compliance with requests made by Northern Territory Police in relation to firearms.
- I have multiple firearms, do I have to do them all at once?
No, you do not. If you are unable to submit photos of all your firearms at once, you can return to the form multiple times to complete your submissions. This can include over multiple days. If you would like to complete intermittently then you may do so.
- I have a licence but I do not own any firearms so why am I receiving this correspondence?
As you are licence holder, the communication was provided to you for awareness should you purchase a firearm in the future. If you do not currently own any firearms, you do not need to do anything.
- Why do photos of our firearms need to be taken? Isn’t the registration certificate enough?
The project involves a visual inspection of the physical firearms to confirm their make and model, ensuring alignment with the national data standards before uploading the information into the national firearms register. Additionally, the five required photographs is the minimum we need to enable correct identification of the firearm.
- What happens if the serial number is too small to be seen and I don’t have a camera good enough to take a clear photo?
Try and take a photo with the serial number as clear as possible. Once submitted, the Data entry team will review and if additional photos or information is required, the team will be in contact.
To assist in what is needed to take photographs, a ‘how to take good photos’ guide has been developed and is available on the National Firearms Register website.
- Will other jurisdictions follow the same approach as the NT?
Each jurisdiction is responsible for establishing mechanisms to ensure the alignment of firearms records, before they are uploaded into the NFR. The means in which they will achieve this will be done in a manner that will reflect the unique realities of each jurisdiction.
- Once I’ve submitted the firearms self-check form, will I need to do this again or is it a once off activity?
This is a once off activity. There is no indication that any additional information will be needed to align our records with the National Data Standards.
- Will there be a new registration certificate issues if there are changes to the make & model of my Firearm?
Yes, if there are significant changes made, a new Registration Certification will be sent to the firearms licence holder.
- How will the people complete their self-check form if they don't have devices to enable them to do so?
They can contact the NFR team by calling or emailing for assistance. If further help and support is needed, we can schedule a visit to the licence holder to complete the check.
- What if I accidently take a photo of my partners firearm and upload it in my Firearms Self-check form?
The project team will pick this up in the validation process and will contact you to let you know that there is an additional photo/firearm.
The photo will be removed from your submission and can then be used when your partner completes the form.
- What will happen if I don’t complete the Firearms self-check form?
There will be a number of reminders and opportunities for firearms owners to complete the self-check form over the coming months.
Further communications will be sent to those who have not completed their firearms self-check form.
- If I provide photographs of my firearms, how do I know that they are secure?
The photographs being provided via the self-check form are stored and secured with strict access controls for viewing. They are not broadly available beyond the project team and are stored with the same levels of security as all other policing records.
- Why do I have to resubmit all my details on the form? You already have my name, licence number and serial numbers of my firearms.
The self-check form requires you to enter your name, licence number and serial number in order to align with the submission of the photographs to the right record in the firearms registry system.
Didn’t find what you are looking for? Get in touch by emailing NationalFirearmsRegister@pfes.nt.gov.au