Firearms (Use of Noise Suppression Devices) Declaration 2016 (No 3)
Disallowable instrument DI2016-267

Explanatory Statement

Section 31(1)(c) of the Firearms Act 1996 allows the Registrar of Firearms to declare that something is not a prohibited firearm.  Schedule 1 of the Firearms Act provides that “a firearm to which there is attached any article or device capable of muffling, reducing or stopping the noise created by firing the firearm” is a prohibited firearm.

In certain circumstances, the use of firearms fitted with noise suppression devices in strictly controlled circumstances is reasonable and necessary.

These circumstances are where:
•	people are authorised to undertake animal management activities for the ACT Government; and

•	firearms dealers, who are also licensed to manufacture firearms or noise suppression devices, need to undertake quality controls, such as test firing, during the manufacturing process.

This instrument prescribes the requirements to be met for a firearm fitted with a noise suppression device to not constitute a prohibited firearm under the Firearms Act.