YMAC has been advocating for improved engagement, communication and support for Traditional Owners, Native Title Holders, and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs, also known as Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs)) (and Registered Native Title Claims (RNTCs)) in our Yamatji and Marlpa (Pilbara) regions trying to navigate the State’s new gun laws – the Firearms Act 2024 (WA) and Firearms Regulations 2024 (WA) – which came into effect on Monday, 31 March 2025. Our attention has been particularly focused on how these reforms might impact Traditional Owners and certain rights protected by the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the Firearms Act 2024 (WA) and Firearms Regulations 2024 were referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation for inquiry. The committee was tasked to explore (amongst other things): problems that emerged from the implementation and operation of the legislation; and recommended amendments that will ensure the legislation’s workability and effectiveness. To review the Standing Committee’s full terms of reference and to keep up-to-date with other information it publishes (including submissions received), visit its dedicated webpage.
The inquiry does not stop implementation. The new laws and associated regulations will continue to be in force, and WA Police will continue to enforce it as they are required to under law. This means that all transitional activity, including buybacks, compensation, replacement of licences, and registration of properties and hunting permissions will continue.
Findings and Recommendations
A final report on the inquiry’s findings was released on Thursday, 16 October 2025. Of the total 47 findings and 11 recommendations, those of most relevance to First Nations people include:
The report is available to read on the WA Parliament website. You can also view YMAC’s submissions and letters on the Submissions page of this website.
Traditional Owners and PBCs needing advice and assistance from WA Police (including on transitional authorities)
All Traditional Owners and PBCs with queries or concerns about the implementation of the new laws are encouraged to contact the WA Police implementation team via email: transition.queries@police.wa.gov.au. This will allow for WA Police staff to address individual queries, specific to your circumstances. Note, this email contact is different to the one listed on the WA Police information page; it has been specifically recommended by WA Police for Traditional Owners and PBCs to use.
WA Police have also advised they have no plans to deliver online or in-person information sessions targeted towards PBCs or Traditional Owners. If PBCs or individuals find they are still unable to progress based on the WA Police’s response received, please contact YMAC and we will assist in seeking additional support.
Information for Traditional Owners with concerns about their transitional authorities expiring
While the new laws are being rolled-out, WA Police are providing individuals with firearms licences issued under the old act which are called “transitional authorities”. Among other things, these transitional authorities give people time to apply for a firearms license under the new laws. If PBCs have not yet registered as an “authorised person” under the new laws, Traditional Owners may not be able to secure a Standard Hunting Permission from their PBC to renew their licences.
YMAC understands this process has caused much confusion and concern for many Traditional Owners and raised the issue with WA Police.
WA Police have advised that individual Native Title Holders with concerns about their transitional authority expiring due to the relevant PBC not yet being ready to issue hunting permissions are encouraged to email the WA Police implementation team (transition.queries@police.wa.gov.au), making sure they include the following information:
WA Police have also advised that when this email is received by their licensing team, they will:
Background information (previously shared by YMAC on this page)
Under the previous firearms laws, a person holding a hunting licence could hunt with a firearm wherever hunting was permitted. The new laws will now require individuals to obtain a hunting permission to hunt with firearms from an “authorised person” for each area they wish to hunt.
The regulations associated with the new laws allow PBCs (and RNTCs), in addition to freehold landowners and pastoralists, to become “authorised persons”, who are able to issue permissions to hunt. First though, authorised persons must register with the Commissioner of Police, who will also assess the subject land being registered for suitability for hunting purposes (and which firearms can be used in that area). Once registered as authorised persons, PBCs (and RNTCs) will be able to issue permissions to hunt upon application (to be made by applicants via email).
However, it is important to note that PBCs (and RNTCs) will not be responsible for enforcing or influencing other licensing requirements or decisions – e.g. if a person is deemed ineligible to hold a licence under the new laws and/or by WA Police.
Also note, the new laws and permissions system do not change the need for people hunting on Country to also inform and engage with other land users of that Country (for example, pastoralists and mining companies). This is to ensure the hunting is done safely, and does not disrupt other people’s lawful use of the land.
Some other key changes in the new laws include:
Further, in addition to the 52,000 firearms already removed from the community through a buyback scheme that took place in 2024, the State Government has announced a new surrender period to run Monday, 14 April 2025 to Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
With the transition to the new laws commencing on Monday, 31 March 2025, people with a disqualifying offence are now ineligible to hold a hunting licence and ceased to have one from that day. Hunting licences held by other people will continue until their expiry date, but will need to be renewed under the new system – via the WA Police online portal – when they are due for renewal. For licences that expire soon after Monday, 31 March 2025, licence holders will have a minimum of three (3) months to arrange renewing their licence in the new system.
To assist with the transition, WA Police are in the process of contacting every existing firearm owner across the state to assist with next steps, with the State Government stating it will continue working with licensed gun owners in the months ahead to ensure compliance.
YMAC will continue to monitor the implementation of the new laws and will provide updates relative to native title and Traditional Owners on this webpage and via our various communications channels (e.g. PBC eNews).
Should you have questions relating to your individual eligibility, needs and/or circumstances, we encourage you to contact WA Police directly.
You can also listen to the audio series WA Police have created on these reforms and their implementation: Firearms Act Reform podcast
Information specific to PBCs
YMAC has written to all PBCs within our representative regions in an effort to share relevant information as we currently understand it (as at 1 April 2025). This communication included the following documents:
Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.
Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.
We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.
Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.
Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.
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