Weapons Exemption

At all levels of membership you will have access, on successful application, to the WTQA Control of Weapons Class Exemption. All members in possession of a prohibited weapon are required to be registered and to carry a membership or exemption card with their weapons.

In Victoria, the Control of Weapons Act 1990 outlawed, among other activities, the sale, advertising for sale, possession, use and carriage of prohibited weapons. The weapons referred to in the Act include our Tai Chi and Wushu swords and sabres.

Serious and significant penalties apply to any breach of these regulations unless an exemption has been sought and granted in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Act.

WTQA holds a class exemption on behalf of our members.

Members living in Victoria, or travelling to Victoria, with these weapons in their possession may apply to WTQA for inclusion in the Class Exemption. Members who own either Tai Chi or Wushu swords or sabres are strongly advised to complete a membership application to join this Class Exemption to ensure the legality of your weapons practice.

“A sword is defined under sch.2 of the Regulations as being a thrusting, striking, or cutting weapon with a long blade having 1 or 2 edges and a hilt or handle. A sword is still classified as a sword even if the 1 or both blades are blunt.” Ref. We have been advised that this includes wooden weapons.

If you are a member of a WTQA Affiliated School or Organisation you may already be covered by their membership. It is the individual practitioners’ responsibility to check their cover status with their School or Organisation. The exemption will enable members to legally possess, use and carry these weapons for the purpose of study, practice, training, teaching and competing in the sport. Such weapons need to be either in a carry bag or wrapped in a cloth (or some other material) so as not to be visible or readily available when carrying.

If you own these weapons, please fill out a relevant membership application form, complete all the requirements and submit them to WTQA as soon as possible.

The above notes do not purport to be professional legal advice. If you have any doubts as to requirements please consult the original legislation.