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<\/p>\nA coroner has recommended Victorians applying for and renewing firearms licences must first “prove mental wellbeing”.<\/p>\n
Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find distressing.<\/p>\n
The recommendation was made following an inquiry into the death of a gun owner, “AT”, who failed to report an extensive history of mental health and substance use issues when renewing his gun licence.<\/p>\n
If you or anyone you know needs help:<\/p>\n
AT took his own life in December 2024.<\/p>\n
Victorian firearms licences last for five years.<\/p>\n
When applying for or renewing a gun licence the owner must tick a box indicating whether they have been treated in the last five years for mental health, alcohol, or drug-related issues.<\/p>\n
In his finding published today, Victorian Coroner Simon McGregor said AT’s case demonstrated how self-reporting rules left decision-makers unable to adequately assess renewal applications.<\/p>\n
“The system \u2026 unfortunately has the hallmarks of a ‘rubber stamping’ process, rather than a genuine vetting process around the use and control of dangerous equipment,” he said.<\/p>\n
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Self-reporting rules leave decision-makers unable to adequately assess renewal applications, according to the coroner. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)<\/p>\n
Hundreds of deaths in a decade<\/p>\n
According to the Coroners Prevention Unit, Victoria recorded 342 firearms deaths by suicide in the 10 years between 2016 and 2025.<\/p>\n
At the time of AT’s death, the 42-year-old owned two handguns, two rifles and one air rifle.<\/p>\n
AT had been diagnosed with depression and adjustment disorder and had sought treatment for ketamine misuse.<\/p>\n
In August 2021 he was admitted to hospital for mental health treatment.<\/p>\n
AT did not self-report this history when submitting his firearm renewal applications.<\/p>\n
“Given the manifest omissions in AT’s license renewal application under the current system, I make no adverse comment about the individual decision-making which led to the license being renewed,” Judge McGregor said.<\/p>\n
Two months prior to his death in October 2024, AT was allegedly involved in an incident of family violence that resulted in a child protection investigation.<\/p>\n
Judge McGregor recommended child protection practitioners be granted access to information on firearms licences because firearm ownership could increase the risk of family violence.<\/p>\n
Review of Victorian firearm laws<\/p>\n
The Rapid Review of Victoria’s Firearm Laws was commissioned by the state government after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on December 14, in which 15 people were killed.<\/p>\n
The review recommended the strengthening of renewal requirements, which was accepted by the Victorian government.<\/p>\n
In order to achieve this, the review suggested consultation should be undertaken to establish a reporting pathway for medical practitioners, including GPs and psychologists, to notify Victoria Police when a licence-holder’s health condition may impact their ongoing fitness to hold a licence.<\/p>\n
But Judge McGregor noted that doctors had no way of knowing a patient had a gun licence unless the information was volunteered.<\/p>\n
“It would be more appropriate and less resource-intensive to consider placing the onus on firearm licence renewal applicants to provide medical evidence supporting their eligibility as a ‘fit and proper person,'” he said.<\/p>\n