NSW Firearm Law Changes 2026: The "Bondi" Reforms and What They Mean for You

The landscape for law-abiding firearm owners in New South Wales has shifted significantly. Following the passage of the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, we are witnessing what many are calling the most drastic changes to firearm legislation since 1996.

At XHunter AU, we believe in being informed, not reactive. We’ve analyzed the legislation and the recent insights from Tom Kenyon (SSAA CEO) to bring you this comprehensive breakdown of the new rules, the federal import bans, and the legal hurdles ahead.

1. The NSW "Cap": A Limit on Your Collection

Perhaps the most controversial change is the new limit on firearm ownership for different categories of shooters:

2. Recategorization: The End of Straight-Pull & Pump-Action?

The new laws have effectively moved several popular "A/B" firearms into Category C, making them inaccessible to the average shooter.

• Targeted Actions: Straight-pull rifles (like the Beretta BRX1), pump-action rifles, and button/lever-release systems.
• The Result: These firearms are now nearly impossible to acquire unless you hold a Category C license for primary production. Federal authorities have also implemented a total import ban on these actions.

3. License Changes & Mandatory Inspections

The administrative burden on shooters has been doubled. Here is what to expect in 2026:

• Shorter License Terms: Firearm licenses have been slashed from a 5-year term to just 2 years.
• Pre-Approval Inspections: A mandatory safe storage inspection is now required before a Permit to Acquire (PTA) can be issued.
• Mandatory Club Membership: All license holders must now be members of an approved club, with clubs required to report attendance through the GunSafe online platform.

4. The Federal Import Ban & "Carriage Service" Offence

The Federal Government has moved in lockstep with NSW to restrict access further:

• Importation: A total ban on the import of straight-pull and pump-action rifles, belt-fed magazines, and high-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds for rifles).
• The "Internet" Clause: It is now a criminal offence to use a "carriage service" (the internet) to access or share material on the unauthorized manufacture or modification of firearms. XHunter Advice: Be extremely cautious when discussing or sharing tutorials for home gunsmithing or 3D printing accessories.

Legal Reality: Insights from SSAA (Tom Kenyon)

As highlighted in the latest SSAA updates, challenging these laws is an uphill battle. The removal of the right to appeal licensing decisions through the NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) is one of the most stinging changes.

"Our mission at XHunter AU is to keep our community legal and equipped. We are actively working with peak bodies to ensure we provide gear that complies with these rapidly changing regulations."

How XHunter AU is Supporting You

We know this is frustrating. Our mission remains to provide the best gear for those who follow the rules. We are currently:

1. Pivoting our stock to ensure we have the best bolt-action and traditional lever-action options that remain in Category A and B.
2. Upgrading our Safe Storage range to help you pass the now-mandatory pre-PTA inspections.
3. Compliance Consulting: If you’re unsure if a specific accessory is affected by the new import rules, just ask us.