A proposed voluntary accreditation model would put more technical sporting firearms decisions in the hands of qualified organisations while retaining police vetting and government enforcement.

Governments currently place significant responsibility for firearms licensing and shooting-range approvals with police and other public authorities.

Gun News Australia is proposing that governments examine whether properly accredited shooting organisations could make specified technical decisions within a strong legal safety framework.

Under the proposal, police would continue conducting criminal-history checks, while accredited organisations would assess sporting competence, qualifications, appropriate firearms and range operations, drawing on expertise within the shooting sector.

For licensed shooters, that could mean more transparent assessments of lever-action and semi-automatic firearms, magazine capacities and the number of firearms justified by qualifications and lawful shooting needs.

Appearance-based restrictions could also become a thing of the past.

These changes would require new legislation and enforceable safety requirements. The proposed arrangements are not available under existing firearms laws.

Participation would be entirely optional. Organisations able to demonstrate sound governance, qualified decision-makers and appropriate systems could apply for accreditation.

Smaller clubs and organisations that preferred to remain within existing arrangements could continue doing so.

The comparison is with electricity-network safety regulation. Operators manage risks including bushfires and major infrastructure failures, while governments establish enforceable outcomes, require management systems and audits, and retain intervention powers.

The comparison is an argument for investigating the model, not proof that the same rules can simply be copied into firearms law.

Accredited organisations would face transparent procedures, independent scrutiny and meaningful accountability. Government would retain the ability to intervene or withdraw accreditation if an organisation failed to meet its obligations.

GNA is calling for an independent review followed by a controlled pilot, potentially beginning in Victoria or New South Wales.

Such a trial could test whether the model maintains or improves public safety while reducing duplication, unnecessary costs and delays.

The practical question for clubs and individual shooters is straightforward: Would a more flexible approach reduce costs and complexity without compromising safety?

Share your experiences and examples in the comments so the debate can focus on evidence, accountability and real-world outcomes.

Watch Episode 149 — Regulate the Risk

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