Blogs

Mandatory Firearms Authority Health Assessments for WA

01 Apr 2025

Nerissa Ferrie

by Nerissa Ferrie

Firearms_Australia_750x421px.jpg

New legislation introduced in Western Australia, effective 31 March 2025, includes the introduction of a mandatory Firearm Authority Health Assessment (FAHA).

A FAHA must be undertaken by an AHPRA registered medical practitioner for all new Firearm Licence applicants, and existing licence holders, repeated at least every five years (annually for those aged 80 years of age and older).

Given the large number of gun licences in the WA, FAHAs for existing firearm authority holders will be staggered over the next five years.

It is important to note:

  • A FAHA is only one component of an overall assessment; a medical practitioner is not the decision-maker in relation to the firearm authority being granted.
  • A medical practitioner is not obligated to carry out a FAFA. However, WA Police prefer the assessment be carried out by a medical practitioner who knows the applicant/licence holder.
  • The assessments are not covered by Medicare, so medical practitioners/practices will need to determine an appropriate private fee for conducting a FAHA.
  • There are protections in place for voluntarily reporting of concerns about the safety or unsuitability of an individual to access firearms.

 

Further information can be found at:

 

If you have any concerns or queries, contact your medical defence organisation for advice and guidance.

Not yet subscribed to receive our medico-legal blog? Scroll down to subscribe and stay connected.

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters. The MDA National Group is made up of MDA National Limited ABN 67 055 801 771 and MDA National Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 56 058 271 417 AFS Licence No. 238073.

 

Library

Doctors Let's Talk: Get Yourself A Fricking GP

Get yourself a fricking GP stat! is a conversation with Dr Lam, 2019 RACGP National General Practitioner of the Year, rural GP and GP Anesthetics trainee, that explores the importance of finding your own GP as a Junior Doctor.

Podcasts

25 Oct 2022

Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording

Efforts are underway across the healthcare system to reduce harms caused by pharmaceutical opioids. This 43-min recording of a live webinar, delivered 11 March 2021, is an opportunity for prescribers to check, and potentially improve, their contribution to these endeavours. Hear from an expert panel about recent opioid reforms by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

Diplomacy in a hierarchy: tips for approaching a difficult conversation

Have you found yourself wondering how to broach a tough topic of conversation? It can be challenging to effectively navigate a disagreement with a co-worker, especially if they're 'above' you; however, it's vital for positive team dynamics and safe patient care. In this recording of a live webinar you'll have the opportunity to learn from colleagues' experiences around difficult discussions and hear from a diverse panel moderated by Dr Kiely Kim (medico-legal adviser and general practitioner). Recorded live on 2 September 2020.