Weapons Policy

Intent

James Cook University (JCU; the University) is committed to providing a safe, secure and legally compliant environment by regulating the possession, carriage, storage and use of weapons on University premises. This Policy ensures that weapons are only used where expressly authorised for University purposes, in accordance with Queensland law, and that all other possession or use - including concealed, replica or improvised weapons - is prohibited. This Policy sets clear expectations to protect the wellbeing of staff, students and visitors and to maintain safe operations across all JCU campuses.

Scope

This Policy applies to all staff, students, Affiliates, volunteers, visitors and  of the University and the use of University-owned weapons, and is to be read in conjunction with WHS-PRO-032 Weapons Procedure.

This Policy does not apply to the Singapore and Brisbane campuses

Definitions

Except as otherwise specified in this Policy, the meaning of terms used are as per the Policy Glossary.

Ammunition – includes bombs, grenades, rockets, mines, projectiles and other similar devices and all types of cartridges (including blanks) used in weapons.

Approved User – means a University staff member who has been approved to use a University-owned weapon by the respective  College Dean, or Director and the University Licence Holder.

Concealed Weapon – any weapon, prohibited item, or replica carried in a manner not immediately visible, irrespective of intent.

Firearm – as defined in the Weapons Act 1990, means:

a. a gun or other thing ordinarily described as a firearm; or

b. a thing ordinarily described as a weapon that, if used in the way for which it was designed or adapted, is capable of being aimed at a target and causing death or injury by discharging:

i. a projectile; or

ii. noxious, corrosive or irritant liquid, powder, gas, chemical or other substance; or

c. a thing that would be a firearm mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), if it were not temporarily inoperable or incomplete; or

d. a major component part of a firearm;

Group Weapons Licence – a licence issued to the University pursuant to the Weapons Regulation 1996 to satisfy an occupational need of the University to possess a Weapon. A Group Weapons Licence authorises the University’s officers and employees to physically possess and use the licensed weapons for the purpose stated on the licence. However, a Group Weapons Licence does not authorise an officer or employee of the University to possess or use a weapon unless the officer or employee holds a current licence that gives them rights to possess and use a Weapon of the same type as that which is to be possessed or used under the Group Weapons Licence.

Prohibited Items – includes any item described as a weapon under the Weapons Act 1990, the Weapons Categories Regulation 1997, or any object modified, adapted or carried with intent to cause harm, threaten, intimidate or damage property. This includes replica weapons, gel blasters, inert or deactivated weapons, prohibited knives, improvised weapons, pyrotechnic or explosive devices, and any instrument designed to resemble a weapon.

Reasonable Excuse – circumstances recognised under the Weapons Act 1990 where the possession of a knife or item may be lawful (e.g. lawful trade, sport or study), noting that JCU campuses do not constitute a “public place” with respect to knives, and any possession must meet University approval requirements.

Replica/Imitation Weapon – an object that either resembles, or could reasonably be perceived to resemble, a weapon (including toys, models, gel blasters, non-functioning firearms or facsimiles).

University Licence Holder – the nominated representatives of JCU as stipulated on the University’s Group Weapons Licence, who must also hold a current Queensland Firearms Licence.

Weapons – include firearms and those items prescribed as weapons by the Weapons Categories Regulation 1997, including knives of all types (e.g., flick, sheath), swords, slingshots, shanghai, sword, spear gun, longbow or crossbow, knuckledusters, flails and maces, gas powered dart guns, captive bolt devices and tranquiliser guns.

Policy

1. Prohibition

1.1 The possession, carriage and use of weapons on University-owned and/or controlled property is prohibited, except for those weapons acquired and owned by the University for use by Approved Users where it is considered necessary for the collection of specimens for research or teaching, or for the protection and welfare of University animals.

1.2 Weapons, prohibited items, concealed weapons, replica weapons and improvised weapons (modifying, adapting or creating an object for use as a weapon) must not be brought onto, stored, or used on University property unless expressly authorised.

1.3 Personal weapons are not permitted to be stored, handled, transported or used for a University purpose.

1.4 Section 1 does not apply to sworn officers of the Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force or contractors engaged by the University for feral animal destruction.

2. Authorisation

2.1 The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Unit is the sole unit responsible for authorisation of weapon use or possession, ensuring only authorised and appropriately licensed staff possess and use weapons for approved University purposes. No other work unit or individual may authorise weapon use or possession.

2.2 Authorisation applies only to weapons owned by the University and used for legitimate academic, research or operational purposes under the Group Weapons Licence.

2.3 Authorised use of University-owned weapons is restricted to:

2.3.1 Research involving wildlife collection or specimen management;

2.3.2 Animal welfare purposes (e.g., humane destruction) carried out by appropriately licensed staff; and

2.3.3 Any other purpose explicitly approved under the Weapons Act 1990 (Weapons Act) and supported by a documented operational need.

2.4 Unauthorised possession or use will result in removal from campus, referral to police where applicable, and application of the Staff or Student Code of Conduct (as relevant).

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 WHS Unit

The WHS Unit is responsible for managing the University’s weapons-related activities under its Group Weapons Licence. This includes:

a. authorising and overseeing the acquisition, storage, possession, use, and disposal of all weapons covered by the Licence;

b. safety auditing and reporting obligations; and

c. maintaining accurate records in line with regulatory standards.

3.2 University Licence Holders

3.2.1 Each University campus/site where a University-owned weapon is stored must have a University Licence Holder nominated by their College Dean or Director and approved by the WHS Unit to be included on the University’s Group Weapons Licence.

3.2.2 University Licence Holders:

a. are responsible for keeping a record of all University-owned weapons at their campus/site including:

i. all acquisitions of weapons by the University; and

ii. the issuing and return of ammunition and University-owned weapons to Approved Users.

b. are legally required to know the location of all University-owned weapons at all times.

3.3 Approved Users

3.3.1 Members of the University’s academic, research or technical staff are eligible to apply for Approved User status.

3.3.2 Approved Users must hold a current Queensland Firearms Licence.

3.3.3 Approved Users must provide a copy of their current Queensland Firearms Licence to the WHS Unit.

4. Use of University-Owned Weapons

4.1 University-owned weapons may only be used by Approved Users and only for University-related purposes.

4.2 University-owned weapons must be stored, issued and serviced by a University Licence Holder.

4.3 Controls around storage, issue, servicing and acquisition and use of University-owned weapons are stipulated in WHS-PRO-032 Weapons Procedure.

4.4 Only commercially manufactured ammunition is to be used with University-owned weapons.

4.5 Approved Users must exercise extreme care when handling a University-owned weapon.

4.6 Approved Users must comply with the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld) and its regulations.

4.7 Prior to using a University-owned weapon on land that is not owned or controlled by the University, Approved Users must obtain written authorisation from the local Police Station and the owner of the property on which the weapon is to be used.

4.8 Without limiting sections 4.6 and 4.7, Approved Users must abide by the laws of the relevant State or Territory applying to the use and/or discharge of weapons (including firearms) and the conservation of wildlife. Relevant permits must be obtained, as required, from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or other applicable State or Territory body.

Related policy instruments

WHS-PRO-032 Weapons Procedure

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Related documents and legislation

Weapons Act 1990 (Qld)

Weapons Regulation 2016 (Qld)

Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 (Qld)

Master Register of University-Owned Weapons and Authorised Persons

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History