Western Australia's Firearms Act 2024 and Firearms Regulations 2024 introduced a new tiered system of storage levels. The storage you need now depends on how many firearms you hold, their categories, and whether the premises is occupied. This guide explains how the levels work.
TL;DR
- WA uses storage levels (Level 1, 2 and 3). Your level depends on the number of firearms (up to 5, 6 to 15, or 16 or more), their categories, and whether the storage place is occupied or unoccupied.
- Level 1: a steel cabinet with 3mm steel walls and a 6mm steel door, a Grade V safe, or a compliant secure room or strongroom.
- Level 2: a steel cabinet with 6mm steel walls and a 10mm steel door, a Grade V safe, or a compliant secure room or strongroom.
- Level 3: a Grade V safe or a compliant secure room or strongroom only.
- Some situations also require a monitored alarm and/or CCTV.
- Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms.
- Existing approved storage may remain valid until you add or replace a firearm — then the new requirements apply.
This is a plain-English summary of WA Police information on the Firearms Regulations 2024. The rules are detailed, so check the exact level for your situation in the WA Police storage level requirements or with the WA Police Force Firearms Help Centre before you buy.
WA storage levels at a glance
| Level | Accepted storage |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Steel cabinet (3mm walls, 6mm door), Grade V safe, or compliant secure room/strongroom |
| Level 2 | Steel cabinet (6mm walls, 10mm door), Grade V safe, or compliant secure room/strongroom |
| Level 3 | Grade V safe or compliant secure room/strongroom only |
Composite cabinets (steel/concrete/steel) can meet the cabinet specifications. Grade V refers to the AS/NZS 3809 safe standard.
The steps
1. Work out your storage level
Count the firearms stored at the location, note their categories, and decide whether the premises is occupied or unoccupied. WA Police use these three factors to set the level. For example, WA Police guidance gives the case of a licence holder with seven Category A/B firearms and two Category H firearms at an unoccupied premises, who needs a Level 2 cabinet with alarm and CCTV.
2. Check whether your existing cabinet still qualifies
Existing approved storage may stay valid for your current firearms, depending on their number and categories. Adding or replacing a firearm generally triggers the new requirements, so check before you buy another firearm.
3. Choose a cabinet or safe that meets your level
Check the wall and door steel thickness of any cabinet against your level — many older rifle cabinets use thinner steel than Level 1 requires. Browse our gun safes and check each model's specifications, or call 1300 405 200 and we'll help match a safe to your level.
4. Anchor it securely
Fix the cabinet so it can't easily be removed, using the anchor points and fixings suited to your floor or wall. Plasterboard and thin linings are not suitable. See our bolt-down guide.
5. Add an alarm or CCTV if your level requires it
Some situations require an operational alarm system, CCTV, or both, with specific standards for sensors, monitoring, recording and record-keeping. Confirm the exact requirement with WA Police before installation.
6. Store ammunition separately
Keep ammunition separate from firearms. Our ammunition safe guide covers options.
FAQ
What are the gun safe requirements in WA?
WA uses storage levels based on the number and category of firearms and whether the premises is occupied. Level 1 requires at least a steel cabinet with 3mm walls and a 6mm door; Level 2 requires 6mm walls and a 10mm door; Level 3 requires a Grade V safe or a compliant secure room or strongroom.
Is my old gun cabinet still legal in WA?
Existing approved storage may remain valid for the firearms you hold now, depending on their number and categories. Adding or replacing a firearm generally means your storage must meet the new requirements.
Do I need an alarm for my gun safe in WA?
It depends on your storage level, the number and category of firearms and whether the premises is occupied. Check with WA Police for your situation.
Buying a gun safe for WA
Buy A Safe has supplied gun safes since 1998 and delivers Australia-wide. Call 1300 405 200 for a delivery quote to your area and help choosing a safe that meets your WA storage level.
