by Archie » 19 Feb 2019, 2:58 pm
Firstly, Customs says you can't import them, so that's an obvious problem wherever you are in the country. But imagine for a moment someone manufactured them here instead....
So I'm going to make a guess about the QLD law here, and its only a guess - and it's based on me drawing on some NSW law and just some general thoughts regarding what QLD police have listed one their webpage. If anyone actually knows the answer for QLD, that would be a much better answer. But my best guess is, they aren't banned specifically, rather they are banned by omission:
- As far as the firearms acts are concerned, airsoft is a firearm. Now that seems silly, but for the moment just accept it that its a fact, and go to the next step.
- To own a firearm you must be 1/ licenced and 2/ have a permit to acquire, and that permit requires you to state a "genuine reason"
- So, what's your genuine reason for an airsoft? You only have a limited number of categories. Not ideal for vertebrate pest extermination. Probably not going to get it through as a primary producer.... can't take it hunting. All you're left with is target shooting.
- Target shooting only counts for shooting on approved ranges
- If there aren't any approved ranges that allow Airsoft.... whats your reason?
See what I mean? Even if you could import it, if its a firearm you need a reason, and at the moment there isn't any reason which actually fits. I'm going to copy and paste the section from Wikipedia regarding Tasmania, which maybe states it more clearly:
It has previously been established that an airsoft gun would be categorized as an air rifle or air pistol for which a Category A (air rifle) or Category H (air pistol) firearms licence would be required. However, the Firearms Act does not provide for an appropriate "genuine reason" to possess a firearm for airsoft activities; therefore, an airsoft gun would not be able to be registered in Tasmania, as the applicant could not provide a satisfactory reason for wanting to own and possess the firearm. In short, the playing of the sport of airsoft and the possession of airsoft guns in Tasmania is currently banned, and that position will most likely not change in the near future.[8]