Australian airgun laws are quite restrictive and differs on a state-by-state basis. In general, all air guns — regardless of action type, caliber and muzzle energy — are considered firearms for legal purposes.
Air rifles are considered Class A firearms and as such are subject to licensing and registration.
Air pistols are considered same as rimfire and centerfire handguns. Air pistols subjected to Class H firearms restrictions. Air pistol shooters will require a membership and sufficient attendance at an authorized pistol club for six months before allowing ownership, and will also need to shoot in at least ten events per year. This includes four for each handgun class (air pistol, rimfire or centerfire) and including at least six formal competitions to keep the licence.
Paintball guns are classified as “soft air weapons” and treated differently to other air guns. Paintball markers are classified in NSW as “recreational sporting devices” as of the 1st of July 2019.
Airsoft guns are strictly prohibited in all states except in the Northern Territory, where they are considered regular airguns and subjected to the corresponding laws and licensing and the ACT (where they are considered “imitation firearms”).