The proposed Firearms Prohibition order scheme would give police the ability to search a person’s home, vehicle, storage facility or self without a warrant (if they’re the subject of an order). Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Police would receive new powers to ensure those deemed “high-risk” can’t acquire, possess, or use firearms under a proposed Firearms Prohibition Order scheme.
The Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026 will be introduced to the Legislative Assembly today (24 February) to disrupt illicit firearm activity.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Dr Marisa Paterson said the FPO scheme would seek to address the potential risk of firearm-related harm.
“These laws are designed to keep firearms out of the hands of people who pose a serious risk to our community, such as those involved in organised crime and terrorism, and high-risk domestic and family violence perpetrators,” she said.
“The FPO scheme gives police the power to act early to prevent harm, and it’s backed by strong safeguards to ensure it’s used fairly, proportionately and transparently.”
It would give police the power to search a person who is subject to an FPO without a warrant. Officers would also be able to search the person’s home, vehicle or storage facilities under the same conditions.
ACT Policing has been advocating for such a scheme for a number of years.
Chief Police Officer Scott Lee said it would be used as a “preventative mechanism” when officers are concerned about certain people and their access to weapons.
“It provides us with a mechanism to prevent that access to firearms … prior to any offending occurring,” he said.
“So it’s very much around ensuring the safety of the community, early intervention and prevention activity, which we obviously don’t have available to us at the present time.
“We’ve had a view for a long time that there is a real legislative gap here for us in the ACT.”
Dr Paterson said additional safeguards would balance this power.
“There are key differences between this legislation and FPO schemes in other jurisdictions. This includes that orders can only be issued by a Magistrate, and are open to additional review, appeal and independent oversight mechanisms,” she said.
The use of the FPO scheme would be included in ACT Policing’s annual reports and also be subject to reporting requirements to the relevant ministers and the ACT Ombudsman.
Dr Paterson said the proposed law was on the back of growing concerns about the availability of illicit firearms and organised criminal activity in Canberra.
“These laws ensure our police have the tools they need to act swiftly and decisively,” she said.
“This approach sends a clear message that the ACT is not a safe haven for illegal firearms activity.”
This is on top of proposed legislation to reduce the number of firearms Canberrans can own.
It’s expected a formal review of the FPO scheme, along with a review of its ongoing compatibility with human rights, would occur three years after it begins.
