At least we get to keep what we have.
Unlike WA…
You wait until you hear what I’ve got to say. But I’ll end up in jail now for that. 
But you know what I mean. Oh well won’t be able to fart next. 
I have a question…
If giving info and instruction on upgrading blasters is now illegal, where do we stand with all of the posts we’ve put up on this forum prior to the laws coming in? 
I ask that question because there’s a very good reason why @RokSolid has pulled down his content.
Is the forum content under the same threat?
Probably a question for you @DocBob … sorry to put you on the spot, matey.
1 Like
In my thoughts technically it shouldn’t be as it’s posted prior to the changes and they have not stated that old information is being banned at all.
They are very vague about where the line is drawn and there in lies the problem. If they can actually make their fucking minds up so we know what we can and can’t do would be nice. Same old same old in my state as they haven’t even met yet so I can post whatever I like. 
For the unaware…
And…
1 Like
If I’m reading this correctly, doesn’t this mean that stores can still import blaster stock as long as they get import permission from state police for each shipment? Basically like how it’s already been just the wording on the permit is different and they have a category now?
It’s also clear to see this was rushed through when it was first brought up on the 20th Jan and passed on 20th Jan…
1 Like
Yes like I said they are updating things state by state hence why all current import permits got revoked. It will take time to get the nuts and bolts sorted out but legitimate importers should, I say that should gingerly, should be ok once the states parliaments meet and decide what they are doing.
I just read my states pol minister sees no reason to rush and change anything as we already have most of the proposed federal laws in place. Buggered if I know. 
1 Like
Hopefully Rok reapplies for his next due shipment and things can pretty much remain business as usual regarding importing gel blasters.
I still need a Sten for my uncle lol
Got a reply from one of the senators, or their office at least.
Pretty sure some of their information is incorrect, shocking I know, but I’ll be fact checking that too.
An expected response from a politician
The comment referring back to the 96 “agreement” is a straight up lie…
Multiple institutes (being referenced by AI there) have looked at and came to the same conclusion that ownership has only increased since 96, with Nanny South Wales leading the pack. Go figure…
Sounds like she’s an advocate for taking the guns away
Greens, enough said really 
If his local area voted in a Greens candidate then it’s time to move 
Well, whatever happens with the scene, I’m happy and proud to have been a part of it for as long as I have.
From the good ol’ days of trying to figure out how to get your $140 Gen 8 to perform, rigging up all sorts of wonderful work-arounds to incorporate weird and wonderful accessories through to the current days of unboxing a decent quality blaster and trying to figure out what if anything it actually needs.
Old former members like BigMuthaDrums and Cruise pushed the envelope of creativity and inspired a lot of us to get off our arses with a Dremel and JB Weld to create something unique. Now we’ve got the 3D printer crew doing the same thing but with none of the limitations of old school dinosaur technology.
The old forum may have gotten a bit toxic… happy to say this version 2.0 has never been anything other than supportive, informative and highly entertaining. Sure, we take the piss every now and then… we’re mostly Aussies, goes with the territory. But it’s never malicious or intended to harm, always tongue in cheek. 
So thanks, boyos… give yourselves a pat on the back for making it what it is. We’re all different, some just collect, some mod, some skirmish. But a shared passion for these hunks of plastic is the common factor that makes us mates.
To everyone who’s contributed with reviews, mod instructions, head ups on upcoming gear and just general dialogue… well done, good on ya. 
Speaking for myself, browsing the latest threads over my morning cup of Java is a daily event, and something I always look forward to. Hopefully that’ll continue to be the case for a long time yet.
I mean, you never know what you nutters are gonna come up with next. 
6 Likes
I understand the concerns over the future of this Forum and the great group of people who have been a big part of keeping it alive and running over all these years 
As far as the new Laws are concerned, it is way to early to panic just yet, as even the State Governments don’t have a bloody clue as to what’s happening right now!
I’m taking it easy for the time being until all this mess is properly sorted out and CLEAR information is given regarding the discussion over the ongoing “reviews” and “interpretation” of the Laws.
I can understand @RokSolid pulling his content for the time being, as his work and videos put him in the spotlight as a possible “Firearms Manufacturer” , but even then, there’s still a LOT to be clarified about this yet.
From many different incidents I have followed here in Western Australia, there’s been not a single Judge who has actually wasted their time over petty “firearms” charges regarding Gelblasters.
Remember that we WON the Supreme Court battle against Papalia and WAPOL, as even the Supreme Court laughed at their attempts to classify them as a “lethal weapon”, but Papalia just went ahead and abused his position of power by changing the State Firearm Laws himself to get his way anyrate. 
We will wait until the dust settles and keep an eye on what actually ends up sticking to the walls once all these monkeys have stopped flinging all their shit around.
All the best everyone, and keep up the pressure on your local Political Members!
1 Like
Just tell them you fkd around in 1996 and my State has everything in place they are arguing about, get your shit together people. It works too, only the illegal stuff pops up now and again but they are criminals and with that power you get full firearms charges which are hefty. No soup in jail and don’t bend over to pick up the soap.
If they’d gone with my states model, which is strict but fair imo Bondi would not have happened I can guarantee it. Such a disappointment, this is how your gov fails you, the genuine legitimate end user.
They need to do better, a lot better. Why I did not vote for them, certainly have done me no favours thats for sure. I had to call in friends and people I know to pull some tricks through this 2 year drought. Absolute disgrace. I made it, skin of my teeth to feed and clothe the civilians.
I digress, that is pretty shocking response. Mmm might think about it. But good on you for putting your thoughts forward to the right place. Well done
2 Likes
That goes for me too, eating my CoCo pops or weetbix for breakfast, have a look on GBF, wtf backfire splat all over the screen and keyboard. Ah fk now I gotta clean this mess up
For me it’s always a late afternoon/evening deal for when I can finally sit down and crack a beer whilst catching up on all the shenanigans.
And YES, much froth has been spat out the nose on more than one occasion!
So here is the update so far… sorry it took me this long. I haven’t been very active here since the new laws as I have been very busy, with less sleep than ever. There has not been enough hours in any day; and apart from my normal job and packing orders I have done nothing productive!
My only hope is that what I have been trying to do has some positive effect for the community and industry.
Communication is key, and it is coming from all angles for me. It has been overwhelming support from the community, for and from the industry; and from those that make and those that enforce the laws. (less so from the last two, but not nothing at least).
ANYWAY… The matters at hand. I’ll make the point now that legal advice is still coming in… and my interpretation of it is just that, I am not a lawyer.
None of this is legal advice.
I have spoken to a few retailer owners, and import brokers customs specialists.
And I can read a comprehend to a degree, (amazing for an idiot like me I know) but again I must stress that none of this is legal advice.
Quite a bit to cover, if I am wrong, PLEASE correct me and make me happy 
This may change as the situation progresses and evolves too, so keep that in mind.
Any ambiguity is due to the laws being intentionally a bit vague, with conflict between state and federal laws, and I do not have solid legal advice yet; or a response directly from the ABF. (Retailers are still seeking advice, and this is still evolving as well)
It is all my interpretation, combined with that from others in the industry, import brokers, customs agents etc.
I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice.
BACKGROUND OF THE CHANGES
Firstly, on a federal level, gel blasters now fall into the firearms classification as “markers”.
Right there with airsoft, paintball, and nerf too. This does not make any legal or illegal to own, import and sell- that is based on state law. It affects what comes through the country’s border.
They are now prohibited items, and you can apply for permission to import them.
In a broad general statement that is the guts of it.
As they are now classed as a firearm “marker” federally, to import them they need to comply with additional federal laws, testing, and requirements; in addition to the existing b709a. QPS are still approving B709a, you still need that AND you need more to have them approval for import of them from Home Affairs.
The current understanding is that state law governs the firearms in the country now, and they are still legal for us to own and use here in Queensland.
The federal legislation mainly controls the borders and what crosses them.
That is where the changes that affect us are, with a few exceptions.
IMPORTS:
The big one the industry relies on to continue.
To import them we need permission from “the minister” of Home Affairs.
Despite blasters still being 100% legal in Queensland, and supported by the Police Minister, Premier, and Deputy Premier of Queensland, they do need to cross the border to enter Queensland, and they are subject to Federal law at the border.
Basically, think of it as a “Mum says yes, but Dad says no” situation.
To attempt an import, you will need a b709a, AND then permission from Home Affairs minister.
So 3-4 weeks for b709a, then submit the application to the minister, current advice is up to an 8 week wait for a reply from the minister. Not really helpful for myself and others, with shipments either seized already or due in the next couple months.
While the minister is not only subject to the procedure, being granted approval the items must pass public interest and safety tests, and register unique serial numbers, all which we don’t have prepared, though opportunity to get them at our cost has been offered by ABF. And finally, the ministers discretion on the day.
Additionally: Imitation firearms: currently the interpretation of import of imitation firearms does NOT apply to anything that can discharge a projectile. However complacency exists that they may still view markers that resemble a fully automatic firearm. It is yet to be seen how this works out for us, as no retailer is yet to have an answer one way or the other from approvals being accepted or denied.
Oh and the minister for Home Affairs, is a Labor MP, based in Sydney area electorate, and voted yes to the new legislation.
If you are thinking it doesn’t look good for us now… you are not alone. But there is an avenue to apply so it is still theoretically plausible and possible.
ABF is still catching up to the new laws, as is everyone involved so currently there is no clear option, but there are options and ways to attempt to proceed.
We aren’t out of the game just yet!
MY SITUATION AND THE BROADER SCOPE TO THE FUTURE
It does not matter if you had shipments on the water, the legislation does not care. So for myself and several other retailers, we simply have to deal with the new legislation and processes, that is not clearly defined yet.
Currently, advice from my import broker’s customs specialist is underway… pending replies from ABF.
It is looking like a chance exists, but still waiting on advice and clarification from ABF and the import broker. Also it is yet to be seen that approval will be given, but it does look like we can satisfy all requirements to be eligible to apply.
ABF is currently seizing all shipments, saying the b709a is not enough where it previously was. They are making concessions for those with already seized shipments and shipments on the water before legislation was passed, giving us the chance to meet the new permissions and requirements; so while it is uncertain and inconvenient, there is light in the tunnel.
There are LCL shipments, and some have 40ft containers on the way. They stand to be absolutely crippled by that loss if approval is rejected.
Even if approved the added time without stock will be a heavy blow to many businesses.
For that I encourage everyone to support your local gel retailers, especially those that make a living from importing these fun toys.
They are going to find things very tough at least in the immediate term. And the added complexity and delays with approvals will have them with a longer term between investment and return, so helping them right now in any way you can will keep them fed until things sorted out.
Please, support them in any way you can. The longer they can survive the more chance of surviving into the future they have. Remember, if they survive, the hobby, sport and community survives.
Moving forward, even if a way is found and imports are plausible- the uncertainty of, and the time frame of approvals will scare many off even trying to enter and possibly stay in the market.
Add to that the extra time between stock arriving after money is invested with no return.
It will be tough, I can’t lie. So support them if you can.
I truly feel for all those that depend on the industry to make a living, and those that have invested their life and personal wealth into making a living from it.
There really is not as much profit margin in these things as the average gel baller makes out, especially when commercial rent and staff is part of your costs.
Add in the general running costs of any business, many would be paying thousands of dollars a week just to have the doors open.
Many in the industry have invested a huge amount of time and capital into their businesses, and while there are some that purely run them as a business, MOST are doing it out of pure passion for the hobby, sport, and community.
Running any business is utterly life consuming, as the more you work the less you have to pay others to do it for you. Many business owners are working the equivalent of two or three full time jobs, always on call, and never truly getting a day off.
Also, keep in mind that new blasters, parts, accessories, and gels may also be tarred with the same brush too.
Those in the industry are trying all angles.
At best it will be more difficult and time consuming with larger lead times.
So yes, provision to get approvals exists, but it is yet to be seen if it will be approved.
We have advice that all gel blasters need unique serial numbers (most have that already) and they need to be lodged with Home Affairs, they need to pass “public interest test”, and a “safety test”. I get shooting reports on joules and FPS with all blasters so preliminarily that shouldn’t be an issue at least for the lower fps gel blasters from China,
but it may need additional testing to be carried out and reported before or after arriving, at the importers cost too.
So while that is a cost add, it looks to remain possible and potential viable at least.
Early days still, information is still coming in, and results are yet to be delivered.
But there is hope we can succeed and carry on, but expect the additional time and cost to be passed on to the end consumer- which regardless of what the end consumer thinks, is only fair, and the price we will pay to keep what we love.
I hope that the positive social factors of the community, businesses, and employment are taken into account; and we can continue to enjoy the hobby and sport we all love responsibly.
As for the seeking to change the federal law itself, the only hope is to have senators and ministers argue for us, as we are a niche hobby, the actual firearms owners will likely steal the attention here, unless we are noticed and heard.
Keep emailing and communicating with MPs and senators- in a polite professional manner, with positive spin and objective outlook to maintain it.
NON-IMPORT RELATED STUFF:
Another topic is the digital distribution laws mean it is now illegal seek and access firearms and parts manufacturing information on the internet without permits/licences to access them.
Also very likely, it may be illegal to share information on any platform without ensuring those accessing it have relevant permissions… legal advice is needed to confirm this, but safe not sorry is the best advice regarding this topic.
With that being said, tech work may also now fall into working on firearms, from a business perspective permits and licences may be needed for that.
It is murky where state and federal laws cross over here, and definitely looking for answers from legal professionals how we proceed with this.
As a result of this uncertainty…
Gel Ball Nobody’s videos:
GONE. Sorry everyone. Digital distribution laws of “manufacturing firearms” means I ain’t risking that. For now they are 100% inaccessible. Pending legal advice. I know reviews and some of my videos don’t relate to this currently but as a precaution all are gone.
Once I have clarification on this, that my change.
But for now, the whole channel is very likely to be permanently deleted.
It sucks, as I enjoyed creating them for everyone and I have had feedback that many enjoyed it. It was fun, amusing, and my little piece of trying to give back to a community that gave me so much. A true community service that gave me as much joy as it gave others.
A number of us are seeking clarification on this, we are not lawyers!
Gel Ball Nobody’s Tech work and advice:
NOPE. I am not a certified and licensed armourer that can legally carry out work on “firearms”. And you are not either. So that also is done for too.
Advice on gel blasters? Not from me sorry.
Right now, officially I don’t know anything about how gel blasters work. No idea how any of them go together. And I don’t have any advice to offer either.
Sorry. End of. Not up for debate. Not worth the risk for me. Truly I am sorry.
A true kick in the guts for me too.
But again, seeking clarification. If this is purely state level enforcement we are good, but if federal overrides local state laws for digital distribution, it is not worth a potential court case.
That is how ridiculous the legislation may be for this hobby, industry, sport, and the gel community.
Legal advice and clarification needed.
My and others opinion and or interpretation is that once in the state, they are subject to state laws and are a “restricted item” not a “prohibited firearm” as classed before crossing the federal border… but for now it is just a risk I am not taking, I do hope to get this clarified and move forward, it would be nice to continue what I love to help the community and produce content that is for the most part “entertainment” over “information” anyway.
(Really driving that I am not a lawyer, and do not have actual legal advice yet.)
(Also that I don’t EVER want to participate in ANYTHING illegal)
Since the laws are also retrospective, if the federal laws apply over state laws on information- we may need to scrub anything tech related from all social media too… more clarification needed but I am not alone in that interpretation, though I have seen argument for and against it from others in the industry. Currently not the main focus, as without imports being possible this will be irrelevant to keeping it alive for us longer term.
I must stress, I am NOT A LAWYER… just a guy that can read and attempt to interpret something that is, by design to be well above the comprehension of normal people.
If I am being overly precautious, that is preferable over risking charges for me at least.
Currently, I sit on the side of be precaution happily over risking being a naughty boy.
My focus is on what is more important to keep us in the game. Once that is sorted then I will bother with the small things of what we can legally do in the game. Priorities!
I also hope many of this is incorrect, but caution is always advised. Charges are serious even if they pertain to a harmless toy they are not worth the risk.
Please support your local people in the gel industry where you can, those businesses need any help they can get right now to make it through this.
And, please keep in contact with your gel ball buddies. Though the industry/hobby/sport may start to decline, the friends and relationships we have made don’t need to.
For many, me included; the reality of IF the community disperses will come at a cost of much of my social life too. Myself and many others risk becoming isolated and that is not good for mental health. Being a typical bloke I don’t deal with feelings, but mental health is important and being social is good for humans.
I love the gel community, so many awesome people from so many walks of life all together with a common interest. It is very profound, and amazing. Better than anything at breaking social barriers I have ever seen.
I have many friends that I would NEVER have been in contact with without it.
To those in the government that don’t get why this hobby and community is so amazing-Right there is what makes it so unique and beautiful.
Example: I have been at a game talking to a 86 year old bloke that just enjoyed getting outside, and talking to people while playing with blasters as he had no other social interactions day to day; then I was tagged by a 6 year old girl which lead to a child like exchange of nonsense wonders. We then attempted to take an objective together with some other players. All while being surrounded by people of all races, backgrounds, beliefs, and even genders.
I am getting emotional, but I seriously have tears of joy reminiscing about it- and I have numerous other stories just like it. Just people connecting and not using their phones, talking and carrying on, and supporting each other with the common goal of fun and entertainment. I have leant my personal pride and joys to many new people and those unfortunate ones with broken blasters to get them involved in the fun, more concerned about turning someones frown upside down than the money and time I put into the blaster, because it is more fun with friends you have, and friends you haven’t met yet.
Anyway, I digress… (often I know)
Finally, while to some it may look like I am moving on over the coming months; I am not exiting the hobby and sport as long as it exists. Sorry you will need to put up with me!
Currently, I plan gracefully to exit the retail side of things, and I hope I can at least help enable a few that depend on it for a living to survive long enough to prepare for the future.
They need the business to survive and put food on the table, I do not. For me it is that simple.
It was always a part time passion project done after hours from my normal grind, I loved doing it, but I do not wish to hold out my hand for rations that may be short in supply with the same demand for the immediate future.
I wish all retailers, staff, and business owners all the best and I really hope they make it through this tough time.
The best way I can help is to not compete, even though I largely tried to not compete anyway, and mainly looked at products the others weren’t going for; but I do want to see them succeed, survive, and thrive.
My plan for now is to enjoy being a player and hobbyist, and try to have our voices heard by those with the power to inflict changes that may help the industry, hobby, sport, and community; exist and grow.
The store will remain for a little while yet, but myself and AK are planning to either suspend or shut down AKgelblaster Australia. We will continue to have a relationship for gel blasters and the community, but the business side will likely only exist in a capacity to support retailers that need to survive. If anything, most will have no idea we are helping other businesses; and that is fine with me.
The premise of being “Nobody” was always that I never wanted to be any sort of celebrity, or gel-ebrity. The name was always a joke- "who built/fixed your blaster? Nobody.
I never did any of this for recognition, I just did it because I love gel blasters and the community and wanted to help either through service or advice.
I hope I had positive effect. And I do hope I can legally do tech work and make videos, and give advice still; but if I can’t it just is what it is.
And I do hope that I can continue to help in whatever capacity I can within the legal bounds.
No matter what happens.
I will be here until the last gel!
The other bill:
True free speech is now looking to be at risk.
I won’t go into it further here, but it could be much worse for the people of Australia than losing gel blasters.
On that note, I would like to twist a quote from The Simpsons, as I so often do:
“I for one welcome our new overlords. And would like to round up others to toil for them”
7 Likes
After all the hard work Nobody put in. I’m a sad panda, think I’m going to cry. Thank you for all the hard work you are putting in. Tough on you, keep the faith.
I used to look forward to friday night Nobody entertainment, laugh my head off and backfire. Some of the members here I’ve know for what like 7yrs or something and many laughs joking around. Even if I get gas bagging about RC stuff to the doctor that’s good fun.
I’m going to add an email I received which is not for gelblasters but has some relevancy for information.
" Brownells Australia, as a new entity, is pleased to announce the launch of our website on 1 February 2026. Brownells Australia is an official partner of the renowned Brownells USA. With the launch of our Australian website, all enquiries made to Brownells USA relating to Australia will be redirected to our local platform.
The website launch will allow customers to begin placing orders. At this stage, all products are listed as back order, with an estimated turnaround time of 30–45 days.
Due to recent legislation passed through Parliament on 22 January, import processes have changed and may result in additional delays. To minimise disruption, we are actively working to stock a large range of commonly ordered products in our warehouse, with our first shipment expected to arrive within the coming weeks.
Please note:
- No charges will be made to your credit card until goods arrive in stock
- You will receive an email notification prior to any charges being processed
- Certain items (including magazines, triggers, and similar controlled goods) must be shipped to your local dealer and cannot be sent directly to customers
- Western Australian customers will need to obtain approval from their dealer prior to shipment
Our website will remain a work in progress, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to improve and expand the platform.
Our aim is to provide Australian firearms enthusiasts with essential and hard-to-obtain accessories for their firearms. We strive to deliver a reliable and efficient distribution service. Please note that, in the current regulatory environment, some initial setup challenges and delays are expected; however, as processes settle and clarity around the new legislation improves, turnaround times should continue to improve.
Thank you for your continued support of Brownells Australia."
1 Like
appreciate the detailed update. Very hard to comprehend as a consumer so can only guess how tough it is for the sellers.
I have a question and tried to find an answer within your reply but unfortunately couldnt put the pieces together to answer it myself … so, for those with parts still outstanding (i.e Uzi stocks gifted to the first batch buyers), are these as good as gone?
Hang tough @RokSolid !
2 Likes