Paintball in Australia

[BretG]

Just read about The paintball restrictions in Australia from some new laws recently enacted. Seems pretty severe. Tasmania has banned it entirely and WA included it in their new firearms legistlation.
Apparently all of Australia considers a paintball gun a firearm and requires paid licencing to own one a permission to acquire one from the police along with required firearms safety training. How has impacted paintball there? Is it in decline now?

[JonM]

Australia has always been very restrictive when it comes to paintball markers. In fact, the strict gun laws there are the reason why Tom Kaye imported the Automag there as a pump gun.

[OpusX]

Dear Australia...

[Heavy_D]

What happens when the Lunatics are In charge of the Asylum...

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Read this on twitter a few days ago.
"The problem with Australians is not that they are descended of Convicts, the problem with many Australians is that they are descended of Prison Officers."

[pghp8ntballer]

License is spelled two different ways in the same document…

[Chuck E Ducky]

They have always required a license, but it was fairly straightforward from my understanding. Maybe not so much now. Haven’t been following it.

Currently the only way to get a Sterling imported into the US is through Australia. So if you want one you may want to snag one soon, While you still can. If the new restrictions are bad enough it will likely put them out of business.

The most notable recent shift in Australian paintball laws occurred in New South Wales (NSW), where reforms were enacted prior to 2025. Starting September 1, 2024, NSW introduced updated regulations under the *Paintball Act 2018*. These changes reclassified paintball markers as recreational sporting devices rather than firearms, transferring oversight from the NSW Police to NSW Fair Trading. Key aspects of these laws include:

- **Permits for Ownership**: Individuals need a permit to buy or own a paintball marker in NSW. This permit requires applicants to be over 18, pass a "fit and proper person" assessment, and complete mandatory paintball marker safety training. However, no permit is required to simply play paintball at an authorized venue.

- **Venue Restrictions**: Paintball markers can only be used at authorized paintball venues, which must hold a venue permit and adhere to safety and operational standards.

- **Business Regulations**: Paintball venue operators and suppliers must also obtain specific permits, with new rules effective from September 1, 2024, aimed at enhancing consumer protection and industry standards.

- **Exemptions**: Visitors staying in NSW for less than three months with a valid equivalent permit from another state or territory do not need an NSW permit.

These NSW reforms built on earlier changes from 2021, which began easing restrictions by removing paintball markers from the *Firearms Act 1996* and reducing red tape, such as eliminating the need for a firearms-specific license.

Elsewhere in Australia, laws vary by state and territory.

**Victoria**: Paintball markers remain classified as firearms under the *Firearms Act 1996*. Ownership requires a Paintball Marker Licence (available to those 18+), and use is restricted to approved ranges.

**Queensland, South Australia, etc.**: Regulations differ, often requiring licenses or permits for ownership, with use limited to designated venues.

So it sound like if you want to own your own equipment you need to jump through hoops. If you go to a commercial place you don’t need one. But it gives an entire new meaning to “Outlaw Ball”. You can’t play unless it’s at a permitted location.

[Chappy]

A fit and proper person assessment…
How you gonna have a paintball industry with no paintballers ?!?

[Chuck E Ducky]

You don’t. I think that’s the point. (Commercial businesses only) wild thing is as of right now if you go there you can buy whatever you want no license needed for anyone on a temporary stay / vacation. Less then 10-15 days.

[markdem]

Im australian. I immigrated to usa in 2016 so my input may be a little dated but basically, yes, paintball is tough in australia

I lived in Queensland where paintball guns fall under a sub-category of air rifles. So first, you had to get your "category A" licence (rimfire rifles and air rifles). Then apply for "category PB" (paintball)

Once you get your PB licence, you can apply for a permit to buy your gun (2 week waiting period) from a licenced dealer

Once you have your paintball gun, you can only play at certain club events (no shooting up the rental players)

When i moved to usa, i went nuts and bought every piece of paintball equipment i could find. I play as often as i can. Its so cheap and accessible here. Usa is paintball heaven

me in australia. Note, no guns in the staging area. Guns are kept behind the net, on the range

[Chuck E Ducky]

So this is how you got so good at making paintball markers lol

[The Hobbit]

Australia sounds like hell. Aside from bluey and the car scene, I can’t think of any redeeming qualities.
So how much effect does this bullshit have on stifling paintballs growth(sustainability even) over there?

[markdem]

The Hobbit paintball isnt really played as a sport/hobby in australia, its more of a birthday party thing. There are some "teams" in australia that use rental tippmann 98's because its easier than owning a gun. So as far as "growing the sport" goes in australia... yeah, nah, forget it

[cheapguitarscheapthrills]

What do they got against brown paintballs?

[cheapguitarscheapthrills]

That would be just horrid! Not like it would wash away in a light rain storm or with soap and water.

[Toestr]

Maybe because they look could look like dry blood? That's the general reason for red being a frowned upon fill colour over here. Not that I've ever seen brown fill before.

[Toestr]

markdem I'm sure those stores would have no issues selling marbles or ball bearings though...