Gel blasters are large, water-filled balls that are used for gaming. This kind of game blaster is quite popular, as they are used to mimic paintball games. This gel looks realistic, resulting in the change of cultures around Gel Blaster in different regions. With that being said, there are legal aspects regarding gel blasters in each region or state that this article seeks to address.
What are gel blasters, and why are they controversial?
Gel blasters are guns that are made from hydroblasters that shoot balls that are quick-absorbing gel. Because these gel balls are non-toxic and dissolve upon impact, they provide a superior alternative to paintball guns. However, due to the fact that gel blasters look like guns, this sets off alarms, leading to a safety issue. That’s one of the reasons why several states out gel blaster under restrictions. Governments consider them imitative firearms which are dangerous if used in the wrong way.
How gel blasters work
- Gel ball mechanics: An important feature of how gel blasters work is the physics of gelatin balls. The blaster uses beads soaked in water, allowing them to increase in size and become gel pellets. A blaster uses either a spring or electric motor to launch these beads.
- Design resemblance: It is clear that ‘gel blasters’ gel firearms resemble very closely, and as a result, care is taken while dealing with them. The sale of these replicas has led some states to classify them as firearms or weapons for the purposes of preventing nuisances.
State-by-state guide to are gel blasters legal in Australia
Gel blasters are legal in Queensland but classified as firearms or prohibited weapons in most other Australian states and territories, requiring permits or being outright banned. The understanding about gel blasters and their necessity is varied across Australia depending on the individual state, which has its own governing laws, regulations, and requirements.
New South Wales (NSW): Gel blasters classified as firearms
In nsw we understand snf accept the fact that gel blasters are firearms under firearms act; no legal papers needed to accept this understanding. Which means they use real weapon like gels and thus require authentic-looking weapons.
- Legal requirements: A NSW resident must possess a legal firearms license in order to operate or purchase a gel blaster.
- Penalties for non-compliance: In situations where either a gel blaster licensor or a legal license is not sought the consequences range from jail time and fines to an arrest.
- Advice: Unless proper licensing for firearms is sought after, gel blasters should be eliminated from the buying and usage lists for residents of NSW.
Victoria
In Victoria other laws apply. Gel blasters are treated like imitation weapons and are regulated through the Control of Weapons Act of 1990. While they are not regarded as firearms, these are appropriately controlled due to their looks.
- Permit requirements: Individuals in Victoria must possess a permit in order to be able to hold, sell, or import such blasters. There has to be an available permit, or else there will have to be penalties.
- Legal consequences: Individuals in Victoria must possess a permit in order to be able to hold, sell, or import such blasters. There has to be an available permit, or else there will have to be penalties.
- Advice: Residents in Victoria should refrain from buying gel blasters for themselves, without obtaining a permit or permission from the authorities.
Queensland
In contrast to Victoria, Queensland sits more at ease, where all models of blasters are treated as toys, not firearms. However, guidelines for use remain in place.
- Legal status: In the case of a gel blaster, no licensing is needed for its ownership or use. conditions are in place for reasonable reasons to carry around a Gel blaster, and this aims to prevent alarm.
- Usage guidelines: Such models are contraindicated to use in public; they should only be utilized and transported in private properties and permitted areas.
- Advice: Gel blasters are legal to own and use for Queensland residents, but it is advisable to not show them around in the open.
South Australia
Under South Australian laws, gel blasters are categorized as firearms, and a specific license is required for the ownership and use of gel blasters.
- Licence requirement: To be legally able to use a gel blaster, a person needs to hold a category card of firearm.
- Amnesty and compliance: South Australia provided 12 months amnesty for the owners to acquire permission or hand them in gel blasters.
- Advice: Residents of South Australia must ensure a Category A card for firearms to avoid facing legal action.
Western Australia
According to laws on gel blasters in Western Australia, they are categorized as prohibited weapons since July 2021.
- Legal implications: Use sell or bringing in gel blasters has been illegal in Western Australia. Last time non-compliance could result in three years jail or a fine up to 36,000 dollars.
- Public safety concerns: Banning is a structural measure due to safety issues and what is percieved as an abuse.
- Advice: Residents of Western Australia should completely refrain from using or buying gel blasters.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Gel blasters require a firearms licence
In the ACT, gel blasters are classified as firearms and are strictly regulated.
- Licensing: A gel blaster is able to be owned or used only if one holds a valid license. Such laws are enacted in ACT allowing possession of gel blasters in appropriate conditions.
- Penalties for non-compliance: Penalties for non-compliance: Fines, jail time, and even confiscation of the blaster are some of the penalties for someone who violates such laws regarding the ownership of a gel blaster.
- Advice: I would recommend that ACT residents read the licensing requirements to comply with the laws regarding the ownership or usage of a gel blaster.
Northern Territory: Gel blasters treated as firearms
When compared to other states, Northern Territory is on the same page as Easter states regarding the usage of gel blasters, as they are treated as firearms.
- Licensing requirements: In clear words, a gel blaster can only be used with the required permits, and without them, it is illegal to own even a single gel blaster.
- Potential penalties: If someone possesses a gel blaster without proper licensing requirements, they can face legal repercussions such as imprisonment and significant fines.
- Advice: Any resident living in the Northern T says recomienda that they do not own a gel blaster or use them if they do not have the required permissions.
Tasmania: Gel blaster classification varies
In comparison to other states, laws surrounding harming others with gel blasters are not straight forward in Tasmania.
- Legal status: Based on perspectives gel blasters can be seen as either a controlled weapon or a gun.
- Advice: To anyone thinking about owning a gel blaster in Tasmania, always look for recommendations or guidelines from local law authorities.
Important considerations for gel blaster owners in Australia
As a gel blaster buyer or an owner in Australia, it’s important to keep a few things in mind due to the policies that differ from state to state:
- Stay informed about local laws: Buying or owning a Gel blaster comes with its own legality. Shut that understanding in order to not run into issues with the law around use purchasing and ownership of gel blasters after all owning any kind of weapon is always going to be delicate in the eyes of the law.
- Obtain necessary permits: Make sure to abide by the law in which your state exists, especially if a license or permit is a necessity to possess the gel blaster for whatever purpose.
- Use responsibly and privately: Even if you have owned or possessed a gel blaster legally, it is still not wise to try to use it in public as it would raise way too many questions and concerns amongst the audience. Gel blasting on private property or approved recreational areas is the way to go.
- Avoid cross-border transport: Even a small trip to neighbouring state/territory can land someone in a lot of legal trouble, as a gel blaster might be able to legally possess in their state, but it is illegal in the bordering state, so its best to avoid trouble and leave it behind.
Conclusion
The legality of gel blasters in Australia is complex and state-specific. While Queensland is more lenient, treating gel blasters as toys, other states like NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia impose strict regulations or outright bans. Adhering to local laws is essential to prevent misunderstandings, legal complications, and ensure responsible ownership. For Australians interested in gel blasters, staying informed about the latest legal developments in their state is crucial.
