Under certain circumstances individuals and members of some groups are exempt from some provisions of the laws relating to prohibited weapons.

Exempt persons include those who reasonably require prohibited weapons:

• In the course of business or employment (this does not cover manufacturers and dealers)
• For a lawful and recognised form of recreation or sport.
• For the purposes of providing a lawful entertainment for others.
• A member of the SA Police in the course of duty
• Museums and art galleries
• A person who takes part in an official ceremony conducted by the Government of South Australia or the Commonwealth
• A dagger may be possessed for religious purposes
• Volunteer and paid emergency workers for the purpose of dealing with an emergency provided they do not threaten or injure anyone with it
• Executors of estates, liquidators and receivers in the course of duty

Subject to compliance with conditions set out in the Regulations:

• A person may possess and use an 'undetectable' knife for the preparation of food for human consumption
• Lodges of Freemasons may possess and use a poniard for ceremonial purposes
• A member of some Scottish associations may possess a Dirk or Skean Dhu under certain circumstances
• A person may possess a prohibited weapon that is of sentimental value and is a heirloom
• A person may have a prohibited weapon as part of a collection
• Some Returned Services branches, clubs or bodies may possess prohibited weapons
• A licensed person who carries on the business of guarding property and certain licensed employees of the business may possess an extendable baton under strict conditions
• Members of the Sihk religion may possess kirpaans under certain circumstances

Individuals who are not covered by an exemption, but feel they have a valid reason to possess a prohibited weapon, may apply for a special exemption to Commissioner of Police.

Applications must be made at a Police station.

A person may possess a prohibited weapon for the purposes of delivering it to the SA Police.

A person who has been found guilty of certain offences of violence might not be exempt under the above categories.

Are there fees For Special Exemptions?

Yes, there is a fee to make an application. Whole or part of the fee may be refunded if the exemption is not required or is refused.

For further details about the Regulations and exemptions, please contact your local Police station, or telephone the Firearms Branch on: (08) 8204 2495.