The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

11.1.12.40 Purchase of firearms, ammunition & hunting knives under income management

Firearms, ammunition & hunting knives

Firearms, ammunition or hunting knives are considered to be priority needs only where a person is able to demonstrate that such items are necessary for employment. They are not considered to be priority needs in relation to food gathering.

If a person requests that income managed funds be used for the purchase of firearms, ammunition or hunting knives, Centrelink should consider whether the item can be considered a priority need due to being necessary for employment. If not, the purchase should only be facilitated if there are sufficient funds once the person's current and reasonably foreseeable priority needs have been met.

Note: For people who are subject to income management under the Child Protection Measure, the priority needs of the children should be considered paramount. This means, even where necessary for employment, any proposal to purchase firearms, ammunition or knives must be thoroughly scrutinised and discussed with the relevant child protection worker (11.3.1).

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