The toy guns that could be banned for looking too much like the real thing

Queensland authorities are considering the legality of Gelblaster toy guns, which look exactly like real assault rifles.

A Brisbane business operator is selling the toy rifles, which fire small gel balls.

Normally replica firearms are restricted in Queensland but a Coopers Plains outlet is selling them over the counter.

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington described the toys as “very realistic.”

“I think Fair Trading should look into banning them,” she said.

Bond University criminologist Terry Goldsworthy said he’s “perplexed” as to how the toys are legal.

But others suggest a ban would be an over-regulation, despite the Gelblasters being illegal in Victoria.

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said while a court ruling deemed the projectiles fired from the toys to be legal, the jury is still out on the guns themselves.

“If the weapon or toy in this case looks very similar to a real weapon then we can take action,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“I think there’ll be some obvious further considerations before we finalise that decision.”

Australian Border Force seized 200 Gelblasters when they landed in April.

In a statement to 7 News, they said it is illegal to import Gelblasters without a permit and a signed police form for their import is required.