What are the consequences if I have an AVO made against me?

• If the court makes an AVO it will affect your firearms licence and may affect your security licence.
• You will be required to immediately surrender all firearms in your possession.
• In some instances the police may require you to hand in firearms if you are issued with a provisional or interim (temporary) AVO.
• Firearms licences are automatically suspended should a provisional or interim AVO application be made.
• Firearms licences are automatically cancelled if a final AVO order is made.
• You will only be able to apply for a firearms licence 10 years after the date of the final AVO order. You will then need to show that you are a fit and proper person to have a firearms licence.
• You can apply to have your firearms licence returned prior to the 10 year period if the court has revoked the AVO order.
• An AVO may affect your ability to work if your employment requires you to have a security licence.
• If you have a licence that allows you to carry a firearm you may not be allowed to work under that licence because your firearms licence will have been suspended or cancelled.
• A security licence may also be cancelled or an application for a security licence rejected if an AVO is made against you and the Police Commissioner believes that you are not a fit and proper person to hold a security licence.
• An AVO may also affect your ability to keep employment where you work with children.