State government drafting new legislation to ban 3D-printed gun blueprints, offenders face 15 years in jail
The state government has pulled the trigger on tough new 3D gun design laws, which would mean jail time for people caught with just the blueprints.
Police & Courts
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Offenders caught with blueprints used to make illegal 3D-printed guns would face up to 15 years in jail under proposed law changes to help police crack down on the untraceable weapons.
The state government is drafting legislation that would see possessing the designs, which can be downloaded on the internet, become a criminal offence under amendments to the Firearms Act after a push from senior police.
Under current South Australian law, it is illegal to manufacture 3D-printed guns without a licence, but not illegal to be in possession of the blueprints, which are the base designs that guide a 3D printer to create the illegal weapons.
Police Minister Joe Szakacs said the state government was committed to “staying ahead of the curve to protect community safety and ensure criminals have nowhere to hide”.
“We know how much damage a firearm can do,” Mr Szakacs said.
The Sunday Mail last year revealed senior police were pushing for the law changes to help crack down on the untraceable guns amid an increase in the weapons across the state.
The move came amid revelations that warring youth gang members were manufacturing the weapons to use in their deadly street conflict, with Operation Meld detectives seizing a 3D-printed gun and 3D-printing equipment from alleged KBS member’s Davoren Park home in May last year.
“We can’t allow these weapons to fall into the wrong hands,” Mr Szakacs said.
“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 record of gun control and responsible ownership laws.”
Possessing the blueprints has been outlawed in New South Wales, while Tasmania is following suit, with changes to firearms legislation in the process of being introduced.
In 2023, there were eight seizures of 3D-printed guns or parts, which are predominantly made of polymer plastics, making them harder for security screening equipment to detect.
Assistant Commissioner Narelle Kameniar, who oversees SA Police’s Firearms Branch and last year called for the law changes after an increase in police seizures of the weapons, supported the amendments.
“The 3D printing process allows individuals to manufacture firearms at home, bypassing traditional regulatory channels like registered firearms dealers,” Ms Kameniar said.
Ms Kameniar said the law changes would “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”
Last year, Ms Kameniar said police were concerned about the accessibility of 3D printing technology and authorities’ ability to trace any homemade gun given its lack of history.
“This stuff is easily and readily available and it would be almost near impossible to track at this stage,” Ms Kameniar said.
“Because of the traceability and safety aspects of privately made firearms we are concerned.”
The legislation is expected to be introduced into parliament in the coming months.
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