Safe use of Fireworks

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, through its Mines and Energy Division, is responsible for regulating fireworks use under the Explosives Act 1999 and Explosives Regulation 2003. Only people who hold a Queensland fireworks operator's licence can use fireworks.

Illegal Fireworks

The use of fireworks by the general public ceased in the early 1970's and since that time it has been illegal for anyone without a licence to possess or use fireworks in Queensland.

Fireworks can only be bought, stored, transported and used by properly trained and licensed professionals who understand the hazards and risks of fireworks. Despite the provisions of the legislation, there are those who, without care for the health and safety of others, sell fireworks illegally to anyone. These fireworks are not the type used previously at 'cracker nights' but are larger, more powerful and much more dangerous. There are very cheap imports, hence their quality is suspect and the danger to unsuspecting, untrained and unauthorised buyers is high. They have caused serious injuries to both children and adults, so people should be extremely wary of illegal supplies, should avoid any areas where they are being used. The illegal use of fireworks in the community is not only a public nuisance but also resulted in death, serious injuries to pets, animals and livestock and damage to their surroundings. Pets have also gone missing.

Information on illegal fireworks activities should be reported to the Explosives Inspectorate, or to the police.

Information bulletin 61 (PDF, 103kB) - Explosives - illegal fireworks and homemade devices; issued 30/10/2007

Illegal Fireworks poster (PDF, 212 kB)

Fireworks training course

Mines and Energy, in conjunction with the Fireworks Advisory Committee, developed a Certificate IV course in the management of fireworks displays. This is a Queensland Department of Education and Training accredited course. The component units of competency were also nationally endorsed as part of the revised Entertainment Package CUE03 (for details, visit the National Training Information Service website ).

The syllabus document and the three units of competency are provided below.

Certificate IV in the safe management of fireworks displays

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Applying for a fireworks licence

If you successfully complete a course and gain the relevant qualification, you may apply to QME for a fireworks operator licence.

If you are interested in finding out more about the industry, contact a fireworks contractor. They may be able to provide opportunities for work experience.

Fireworks contractors

Under the Explosives Regulation 2003, only holders of a fireworks contractor licence may tender for and conduct public firework displays. Contractors may be individuals or companies. A list of the current holders of a firework contractor's licence is provided below. If you want to host a fireworks display you must hire a licensed contractor.

Fireworks Contractor Listing (PDF, 11 kB) - updated 21/07/2009

Fireworks advisory committee

The fireworks advisory committee (FAC) is made up of representatives from DEEDI (Mines and Energy Division), the Australian Pyrotechnics Association (APA) and the Australian Professional Pyrotechnicians' Association (APPA). The committee meets regularly to discuss issues related to the fireworks industry.