Governor in Council Exemption Order

Learn about the Governor in Council Exemption Order and how to apply for the exemption.

A Governor in Council Exemption Order exists where the Governor of Victoria, in consultation with relevant ministers, determines to permit a class of persons to engage in activities otherwise prohibited by the Weapons Act.

This may include:

  • manufacture, sale or purchase of prohibited weapons or body armour
  • possession, use, carriage or transportation of prohibited weapons or body armour
  • display or advertisement for sale of prohibited weapons

Enquiries regarding coverage under a Governor in Council Exemption Order should be made with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, not the Licensing and Regulation Division.

To apply for a Governor in Council Exemption Order, contact the Department of Justice and Community Safety(opens in a new window)

A Governor in Council Exemption Order may also exempt a class of weapons from classification as a prohibited weapon. The Governor in Council does not grant exemption orders to individuals.

The Governor in Council may attach conditions and limitations to an exemption order and certain individuals may be unable to claim one even if they are a member of a class of people awarded one. Victoria Police are not responsible for the granting of exemption orders.

Current Governor in Council Exemption Orders

Victoria Police is not responsible for the granting, renewal or maintenance of Exemption Orders. This responsibility falls to the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

We endeavour to publish here the most accurate Governor in Council Exemption Orders for prohibited weapons and body armour relevant to the general community, however, any person seeking to rely on a Governor in Council Exemption should make their own inquiries.

Current Governor in Council Exemption Orders include:​​​​​​

Amateur Radio Operator
PDF 390.45 KB
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Blow Gun and Darts - Veterinarian
PDF 99.07 KB
(opens in a new window)
Body Armour and Extendable Baton - Private Security
PDF 798.88 KB
(opens in a new window)
Crossbows
PDF 1.64 MB
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Daggers
PDF 703.63 KB
(opens in a new window)
Imitation Firearms - Australian Defence Force and Cadets
PDF 218.01 KB
(opens in a new window)
Imitation Firearms (General Exemption)
PDF 291.56 KB
(opens in a new window)
Imitation Firearms - Pre 1900
PDF 102.86 KB
(opens in a new window)
Laser Tag and Other Laser Sport Device
PDF 2.04 MB
(opens in a new window)
Swords (General Exemption)
PDF 455.44 KB
(opens in a new window)
Swords - Martial Arts
PDF 515.11 KB
(opens in a new window)
Swords - Re-enactors and Collectors
PDF 580.77 KB
(opens in a new window)
Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL)
PDF 142.16 KB
(opens in a new window)
Throwing Blade, Mace and Flail - Re-enactors
PDF 495.68 KB
(opens in a new window)

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