Western Australia is entering a new phase of firearm regulation. From 31 March 2025, the Firearms Regulations 2024 tightened requirements for licensed firearm owners, including around gun safes and premises security.
The updated framework focuses on risk, accountability, and secure storage. Experts at Askwith guide you on compliant gun safes, installation, and documentation with confidence.
Key Changes Under the New Regulations
The Firearms Regulations 2024 introduce a storage matrix that sets your required storage level based on firearm number, category, and premises occupancy. The regulations group storage into three levels with increasing security requirements.
Construction standards for firearm safes are stronger. Level 1 requires thicker steel cabinets, while Level 2 increases steel and door strength. Higher levels also need more robust locking and construction.
Higher storage levels now require alarms and, in some cases, CCTV. These measures reduce theft risk and ensure layered security for higher-risk firearms and storage locations.
Learn more: Get Gun Safe: Your Guide To Gun Cabinets In Perth.
Understanding the Gun Storage Levels (Levels 1–3)
Storage levels reflect risk rather than ownership status. Each level has defined requirements based on firearm type, quantity, and premises conditions:
Level 1 Storage Requirements
Level 1 storage applies when you store lower-risk firearms at an occupied premises. You must use a cabinet with 3 mm steel walls and a 6 mm steel door, including composite constructions such as steel–concrete–steel.
You may also use a Grade V safe compliant with AS/NZS 3809:1998 Safes and Strongrooms, or a compliant secure room or strongroom if approved.
Level 2 Storage Requirements
Level 2 storage applies when you store larger quantities of firearms, higher-risk categories, or firearms at an unoccupied premises. You must use a cabinet with 6 mm steel walls and a 10 mm steel door, including composite constructions such as steel–concrete–steel.
A Grade V safe compliant with AS/NZS 3809:1998 also meets this requirement. Approved secure rooms or strongrooms are acceptable alternatives.
Level 3 Storage Requirements
Level 3 storage applies to the highest-risk situations. You must store firearms in a Grade V safe as defined by AS/NZS 3809:1998 Safes and Strongrooms, or within a compliant secure room or strongroom. Standard cabinets do not meet Level 3 requirements.
Installation, Anchorage, and Premises Requirements
The new WA firearms regulations set clear requirements for installing, anchoring, and locating your gun safe:
Installation
WA’s new firearms regulations require you to identify and document your storage setup clearly. You must state whether your gun safe is commercially manufactured or custom-built and provide details such as the make and model, supported by proof of purchase, installation records, and photographs.
Anchorage
WA Police require you to securely anchor your gun safe to prevent removal with common hand tools. You must also clearly state how and where you fix the safe and prove that no one can easily relocate it. Anchoring to non-structural surfaces, such as plasterboard or thin wall linings, does not meet this requirement.
Premises Status
Where you store your firearms directly affects your obligations. You must assess whether the storage location is occupied or unoccupied and apply the storage matrix accordingly. Storing firearms at an unoccupied location, such as a shed or secondary building, often triggers higher security requirements.
You must also declare whether the storage address differs from your residential address and provide accurate location details.
Learn more: Safe Installation Tips: Anchoring and Securing Your Safe Properly.
Inspections, Enforcement, and Penalties
WA Police Licensing Services enforces compliance through inspections and audits linked to licence applications and renewals. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension, cancellation, penalties, or firearm seizure.
Since the 2025 reforms, WA Police have seized 3,089 firearms, reflecting a stronger enforcement approach. Keeping clear storage and installation records helps protect your licence during inspections.
Buyback reminder: If you plan to surrender firearms, the WA firearms buyback program remains available until 14 January 2026.
How to Choose a Compliant Safe or Storage Room
You must select a firearm safe that matches your required storage level, including appropriate steel thickness, door strength, and locking mechanisms. Higher-risk storage requires safes compliant with AS/NZS 3809:1998, and the safe must fit firearms without forcing.
Best in Rifle Safes: Sports Shooter SS14-D Rifle Safe
The Sports Shooter SS14-D is ideal for long-gun storage. It holds up to 14 rifles, uses 6 mm steel body construction with an 8 mm steel door, and features multiple locking options, including a LaGard digital lock. The safe meets Level 1 and 2 storage requirements.
Best in Pistol Safes: Lock-Away Category H Pistol Safes
Lock-Away Category H pistol safes are purpose-built for handgun storage. Each model uses solid 6 mm steel construction, heavy welded hinges, and multiple locking options, including key, dial, or digital. The safe secures Category H firearm storage.
Best in Ammo Safes: Askwith Steelguard Pistol/Ammo Safe
The Askwith Steelguard Pistol/Ammo Safe offers a compact, versatile solution for secure handgun and ammo storage. With a 460 mm height and a balanced square footprint, it suits home environments where space matters. Its simple, robust design supports responsible storage without unnecessary complexity.
Browse our full range of rifle safes, pistol safes, and approved storage.
Why Your Storage Choices Matter
Secure firearms storage goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements because the responsibility ultimately sits with you. The way you store your firearms determines who can access them and under what circumstances. Secure storage reduces the risk of theft, misuse, or unauthorised access, protecting your household and the wider community.
By making responsible storage choices, you help maintain public trust and show that firearm ownership in Western Australia carries real accountability and care for public safety.
Securing Your Firearms the Right Way in Western Australia
WA’s new gun safe regulations are now in effect. Protect your licence by storing your firearms in a certified, regulation-compliant gun safe from Askwith.
We provide expert advice, approved models, and professional installation. Visit askwithcompany.com.au or call (08) 9451 7848 to ensure your storage reflects your legal and community responsibilities.
