Weapons Policy

 

In line with the standard practice at most Worldcons, Aussiecon 4 will not permit its members to carry or display weapons. Aussiecon 4 members should also understand that the State of Victoria has joined with all other Australian jurisdictions, including the Federal Government, to ban the carriage or use of any type of firearm or edged weapon. (Victorian legislation:
CONTROL OF WEAPONS ACT 1990 Victoria incorporating amendments as at 8 November 2007)

Firearms

Firearms are defined as all projectile weapons. This includes crossbows and blowguns as well as ballistic weapons of any type. There are only three exceptions to this ban. Those exceptions are:

  1. sworn members of Australian Police Forces

  2. members of the Australian Defence Force on "official duty" or "authorized parade" with issued firearms

  3. members of Registered Australian Gun Clubs participating in "authorized" club competitions or range practice days.

Additionally, the importation by any individual of any type of firearm is prohibited by Customs Regulations. This includes anything that the Australian Customs Service believes could be used as, or viewed to be, a firearm.

Edged Weapons

Tough anti–knife laws have also been introduced by most jurisdictions in Australia. These laws give police the power to stop, search and detain any person suspected of carrying a knife. A knife is any type of blade, sword, throwing weapon or martial arts weapon. Carrying or displaying such weapons constitutes an offence in most states of Australia, including the State of Victoria. Swiss Army knives, "scout" knives and pocketknives, as well as knives used in the course of work duties, are not prohibited. The only exception allowed to the general prohibition of edged weapons is for a weapon used at ceremonial or cultural events. That exception applies only during the course of the ceremonial or cultural event. That is, while display of an edged weapon during the Masquerade may be allowed, this does not mean that the weapon may be displayed at any other time during Aussiecon 4.

Masquerade Weapons

The Aussiecon 4 committee cannot give permission for any type of weapon to be imported to Australia for use in the Masquerade. It is suggested that persons wishing to display a weapon in the Masquerade obtain that weapon in Australia – through purchase or loan or the construction of a "fake" or "replica" weapon.

As discussed above, any weapon that is to be displayed during the course of the Masquerade may not be displayed at any other time during Aussiecon 4. The weapon must be conveyed to the Masquerade in such a way that it is not visible to the general public or other members of Aussiecon 4. The weapon may then only be displayed at the Masquerade (which includes the Masquerade photo session).

Immediately following their display during the Masquerade, weapons must be removed to secure areas not accessible to the public or other convention members (for example, a hotel room that will not be used for room parties).

If you are considering the display of any type of weapon at the Masquerade, you must discuss this with the Masquerade Director at least 48 hours before the beginning of the Masquerade.


Purchased Weapons

Should you purchase a weapon from the Dealers Room at Aussiecon 4, it must be wrapped and immediately removed to a secure area that is not accessible to the public or other members of the convention.

Decisions about Weapons

Aussiecon 4 reserves the right to decide what constitutes a weapon. It also reserves the right, at its own discretion, to secure, impound or confiscate any thing that it decides is a weapon for the duration of the convention.

Conclusion

We appreciate that many people would like to carry a display weapon as part of a hall costume. We also concede that most people are sensible and careful individuals. However, the risk of weapons causing accidents or distress to other convention members is too great. Apart from this general concern for the well being of our members, Australian laws now forbid the carry of weapons of any type in almost all circumstances.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Greg Turkich, Manager Convention Section, Aussiecon 3 (1999)
updated on behalf of Exhibits Division, Aussiecon 4 (May 2009)




Disclaimer: Aussiecon® 4 is convened under the auspices of the Victorian Science Fiction Conventions Inc (ABN 90 257 542 181) and as such, is governed by its rules and regulations. Victorian Science Fiction Conventions Inc. is a not for profit association incorporated under the Victorian Associations Act, 1981. Aussiecon 4 is supported by the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Melbourne [ www.melbourne.vic.gov.au] . "World Science Fiction Society", "WSFS", "World Science Fiction Convention", "Worldcon", "NASFiC", "Hugo Award", and the distinctive design of the Hugo Award Rocket are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society.