The Western Australian Council of Social Service Inc. (WACOSS) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Standing Committee on Legislation on the implementation of the Firearms Act 2025 (‘the Act’).

Summary of recommendations

• Maintain the strong prioritisation of community safety in the Firearms Act 2024;
• Ensure any amendments do not undermine our commitment to the National Firearms Agreement;
• Increase the minimum age at which someone can use a firearm or obtain firearm authority approval to 18 years of age;
• Ensure WA’s data management systems can effectively contribute to the pending National Firearms Register;
• Consider resourcing, such as training, to address concerns raised by medical practitioners about firearms health assessments.

WACOSS also endorses the recommendations submitted by Injury Matters WA to this consultation.