In a move to enhance public safety, the Malinauskas Government is drafting legislation to ban the possession of blueprints used to manufacture 3D printed firearms, with those caught breaking the proposed laws to face severe penalties.

Guided by existing firearm manufacturing legislation, tough penalties would see offenders face up to 15 years in prison for the possession of 3D printed firearm blueprints.

With these technologies becoming more readily accessible and cheaper to produce, there are concerns this method of illegal firearm manufacturing will become more commonplace.

The proposed changes will provide SAPOL with an additional, crucial tool to maintain community safety and to tackle serious and organised crime.

There have been 23 incidents where SAPOL have seized 3D printed firearms and firearm parts in the past four years.

Unlawful 3D printed firearms can be made entirely of plastic, making them undetectable through security gates and untraceable.

South Australia is among the first jurisdictions in the country to begin the process of criminalising blueprint possession, with only New South Wales and Tasmania having already made progress in this space.

Quotes

Attributable to Joe Szakacs

We know how much damage a single person with a firearm can do. We can’t allow these weapons to fall into the wrong hands.

That is why we are criminalising the possession of 3D firearm blueprints, giving SAPOL an additional tool and introducing tough penalties to would-be manufacturers.

Australia has a proud modern record of gun control and responsible ownership laws.

Our government is committed to staying ahead of the curve to protect community safety and ensure criminals have nowhere to hide.

Attributable to Narelle Kameniar, SAPOL Assistant Commissioner

The 3D printing process allows individuals to manufacture firearms at home, bypassing traditional regulatory channels like registered firearms dealers. SAPOL supports the Bill to regulate the possession of blueprints to manufacture 3D printed firearms.

SAPOL considers this new legislation will enable early intervention against criminal elements with no lawful business in firearms manufacturing as well as having the best opportunity to reduce the risk of firearms entering the hands of criminals.