Gun shops to close as part of further measures in COVID-19 response

  • Gun shops to close from midday, March 27, 2020. 
  • As part of additional measures to respond to the Coronavirus emergency, the Western Australian Government has moved to close gun shops and firearm dealerships.

    From midday, as part of a direction under the Emergency Management Act, all gun shops across the State are required to close.

    It follows stage two restrictions to close down community sporting facilities and other venues such as shooting ranges and gun clubs.

    Whilst it is recognised licensed firearm owners and dealers exercise high compliance, these preventative measures are being taken in the interests of community safety.

    Exemptions will be put in place to ensure farmers and other rural landholders can continue to access ammunition for pest control and animal welfare reasons through registered firearm dealers.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Given the closure of firearm sporting clubs and shooting venues, and the need to comply with social distancing, there is effectively no need for over the counter sales at gun stores.

    “Importantly we will ensure farmers and rural landholders continue to have access to ammunition for pest control and animal welfare reasons.

    “In these unprecedented times, we are taking sensible decisions and putting preventative measures in place to limit the spread of this virus and ensure the safety of the community.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.