Coroner Calls for Medical Checks in Gun Licensing Debate
11 Jun 2026
The discussion follows a Victorian coronial inquest into the death of a gun owner (referred to as AT), who died by suicide after not disclosing a history of mental health issues and substance misuse when renewing his firearms licence.
AT held a valid licence for multiple firearms, with his handgun licence due to expire on 27 July 2026 and his long-arm licence valid until 2028.
In Victoria, applicants must declare they are a “fit and proper” person to hold a firearms licence, including confirming they do not have conditions such as mental illness or substance misuse that could affect safety.
Victorian Coroner Simon McGregor said the current system appears more like a “rubber-stamping process” than a proper assessment of risk. He referenced a 2025 rapid review of firearm laws that suggested expanding the role of medical professionals, including GPs and psychologists, in notifying police if a licence holder’s health affects their fitness to own a gun.
However, he also noted limitations in the system, including that doctors do not have access to records identifying firearm licence holders unless patients disclose this information. He suggested applicants should instead be required to provide medical evidence of their fitness.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said the proposal raises significant concerns for general practice.
She said it is not practical for GPs to assess and guarantee a person’s mental health or predict future risk over many years.
Dr Muñoz also warned that patients may avoid disclosing mental health issues if they fear losing their licence, or may seek out unfamiliar doctors to complete assessments, limiting accuracy and continuity of care.
She said the responsibility for firearm safety should remain with the licence holder, not be shifted onto GPs, particularly given the time constraints of general practice consultations.
Dr Muñoz also questioned how “fitness” would be defined, noting the wide range of mental health conditions and the lack of clear regulatory thresholds.
The debate follows similar concerns in Western Australia, where medical assessments for firearm owners were introduced in March, with some GPs reportedly reluctant to participate.
Coroner Calls for Medical Checks in Gun Licensing Debate
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – newsGP article (Victorian coronial inquest coverage)