Hunting Permissions
Introduced in early 2025, the Firearms Act 2024 (WA) has resulted in some changes for gun owners, particularly with the requirement to obtain hunting permissions.
Aboriginal people in Western Australia can hunt fauna for food on Crown land managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. This right remains unchanged by the Firearms Act 2024.
Aboriginal people are permitted to continue hunting on DBCA managed Crown land when hunting is not for a commercial purpose, the land is lawfully accessed, and there are no overriding prohibitions or restrictions in place for conservation or safety.
Hunting and other customary activities on Crown land not managed by DBCA requires the approval of the State Government department or Local Government in whom the Crown land is vested.
South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and the Regional Corporations can issue hunting permissions to their members and the broader Noongar community by registering individuals in the WA Police portal and maintaining a list of registrations.
If you have any questions, you can email huntingpermits@noongar.org.au or call 08 9358 7400.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Prior to the introduction of the Firearms Act 2024, Noongar corporations provided letters confirming Aboriginality. This documentation met the WA Firearms Unit’s property owner permission requirement.
Under the new Firearms Act 2024 statutory right to hunt and Certificates of Aboriginality are no longer sufficient to meet WA Police Licensing requirements.
Property permission requirements now apply, and Aboriginal people are required to register for hunting permission, issued by landholders to support their gun licence applications and renewals.
Regional Corporations can issue hunting permissions to eligible members and non-members in the South West Native Title Settlement area. For the purpose of issuing hunting permissions, each Regional Corporation must register their Indigenous Land Use Agreement area and be listed as a registered landholder.
Regional Corporations can issue hunting permissions to eligible members and non-members, provided applicants are Noongar people seeking to carry out traditional hunting practices.
SWALSC is authorised on behalf of two Regional Corporations to issue Standard Hunting Permissions to Noongar community members. They are Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, and Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation.
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To apply for a Standard Hunting Permission Noongar community members, and members of the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, and SWALSC members can register by completing a short online form at noongar.org.au/hunting-rights.
Alternatively, you can email your name, email, phone number, address, and firearm licence number to huntingpermits@noongar.org.au.
If you are a member of Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation, Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation or Yued Aboriginal Corporation, please contact the corporation to apply for a Standard Hunting Permission.
Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 6607 7830
Email: kaya@ballardong.org.au
Web: ballardong.org.auKarri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 6182 1930
Email: kaya@karrikarrak.org.au
Web: karrikarrak.org.auWhadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 7095 3560
Email: kaya@whadjuknoongar.org.au
Web: whadjuknoongar.org.auYued Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 9420 4253
Email: kaya@yued.org.au
Web: yued.org.au -
You need to provide your full name, email, telephone number, address, and your firearm licence number.
Additionally, you need to confirm if you are a Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation member, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation member, or a SWALSC member. If you are not a member of these corporations, you must supply details of your Noongar heritage/Aboriginality.
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Yes. If you wish to carry out traditional hunting activities on Country, SWALSC can register your Hunting Permission subject to confirmation of your Aboriginality/Noongar heritage.
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Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, and Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation has authorised SWALSC to issue hunting permissions on behalf of their members, and to the broader Noongar community.
SWALSC will issue Hunting Permits for Gnaala Karla Booja, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar and SWALSC members, as well as Noongar community members who do not belong to any of the Noongar Corporations.
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Regional Corporations, excluding those who have authorised SWALSC to issue Hunting Permissions on their behalf, will register as landholders via the WA Police Licensing portal. Regional Corporations will register Authorised Persons to issue Hunting Permissions for their landholdings.
Each Regional Corporation, excluding those who have authorised SWALSC to issue Hunting Permissions on their behalf, is responsible for maintaining a list of eligible hunting permissions in the WA Police portal.
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Yes. The following resources about firearms use and hunting permission provide further information:
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If you have any questions, you can email SWALSC at huntingpermits@noongar.org.au or call us on 08 9358 7400.
Alternatively, you can contact your Regional Corporation.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 9420 4253
Email: kaya@yued.org.au
Web: yued.org.auWhadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 7095 3560
Email: kaya@whadjuknoongar.org.au
Web: whadjuknoongar.org.auBallardong Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 6607 7830
Email: kaya@ballardong.org.au
Web: ballardong.org.auGnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 6717 0010
Email: contact@gkb.org.au
Web: gkb.org.auKarri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 6182 1930
Email: kaya@karrikarrak.org.au
Web: karrikarrak.org.auWagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 8166 1940
Email: kaya@wagylkaip.org.au
Web: wagylkaip.org.au