WA firearm security and storage rules are being updated, and the “one-size-fits-all” era is fading. Many licence holders (and businesses) are now trying to work out what the changes mean in practice — not just for the safe, but for the overall site security around it.

Important note (no legal advice)

This article is not legal advice and does not define what is or isn’t compliant. Firearm owners and installers should confirm requirements directly with WA Police / official WA Government resources. This post is about the security system impacts we’re seeing — and how to plan a practical upgrade pathway.

What’s Changing (High-Level)

The key shift is from a universal storage model to a more detailed, tiered framework where factors like firearm type, quantity, and site occupancy influence the expected security controls at the storage location. That has two real-world effects:

More people need clarity: licence holders often don’t know where they sit or whether their current setup is still adequate.
More upgrades move beyond the safe: requirements and best practice increasingly point to site-level security (deterrence, detection, access control, and incident documentation).

Where Security Upgrades Usually Happen

In WA, we’re already seeing more conversations about the broader “security envelope” around firearm storage. Without getting into compliance details, these are the typical upgrade areas that come up during an assessment:

Alarm coverage of the storage area

Appropriate detection for the room/zone where storage occurs, with reliable signalling and clean event logs.

Door integrity and monitoring

Monitoring and integrity for the entry points to dedicated storage rooms (not just generic house alarms).

CCTV for deterrence and evidence

Coverage that actually captures faces and movements at access points — especially after dark.

Access control for dedicated storage rooms

Managing who can access restricted areas (and keeping a record of access where appropriate).

A “Compliant-Minded” Security System Plan (Without DIY)

When someone asks us “what should I do?”, we don’t give out programming steps or tell people how to secure storage — because it’s sensitive, and the right solution depends on the site and the applicable category. What we can do is design a robust security system that supports a compliance-minded approach.

Typical building blocks

Alarm system design: zones and detection aligned to the actual storage location and access paths.
Monitoring options: for many sites, the value is reducing uncertainty after-hours (and improving escalation when something is genuine).
CCTV coverage: cameras positioned to verify access points and high-risk approaches with usable night performance.
Access control (where relevant): restricted access for dedicated storage rooms, with practical credential management.
Documentation: clear device naming, zone lists, and a simple “what to do if…” response plan.

Questions to Prepare Before You Upgrade

Whether you’re a licence holder or an installer quoting the job, these questions help avoid wasted spend and rework:

Is the storage location a general residence, a dedicated room, or a commercial site?
Is the site occupied most nights, or regularly unattended?
What’s already installed (alarm/CCTV/access control), and is it stable?
How is the site powered and connected (power stability, network quality, backup considerations)?
Who needs access, and do you need a simple access process or detailed auditing?
What’s the response plan after-hours (who gets called, when, and based on what information)?

Perth Installers: Expect More “System Integration” Questions

As the rules become more detailed, customers often ask the installer first — before they’ve confirmed their exact category with WA Police. That’s why it helps to have a repeatable workflow:

Start with an on-site assessment and a written scope.
Design for reliability first (power, comms, camera night performance, and clean event logs).
Build in an upgrade path as collections evolve (without ripping everything out later).

How Great White Security Can Help

If you’re unsure what a practical, compliant-minded security setup should look like for your property, we can help with an on-site assessment and a clear plan. We design and support CCTV, alarm systems, access control, and monitoring options across Perth Metro — without publishing sensitive steps online.

Relevant services

Need a Firearm Storage Security Assessment (Perth Metro)?

Send your suburb and a few photos of the storage location (door/room layout and any existing alarm/CCTV equipment). We’ll confirm the safest next step and provide a clear scope of work.

Call 0413 346 978 Email / Book Online

Helpful Resources (Confirm Requirements)

For legal requirements, exemptions and compliance confirmation, refer to WA Police / WA Government guidance. If you’re unsure where to start, search for these titles:

Firearms Act Reform – Security & Storage Information (WA Police / WA Government)
WA Government – Firearms information sheets
WA Government – Firearms Act Reform podcast: Security & Storage

Source inspiration: Security Distributors Australia article “WA Firearm Security & Storage Updates” (summarised and expanded in our own words).