Police Gather to Discuss Growing Threat of Privately-Made Guns on Australian Streets

Seized gun parts are seen on display during a press conference at AFP Headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 29, 2019. AAP Image/Stefan Postles

Privately-made guns are the “most significant growing threat” to public safety in Australia, according to police.

Police from across the nation met this week in Melbourne in a bid to tackle the increase in homemade firearms on Australian streets.

A nationwide police operation known as Operation Athena is working to stop the trafficking and use of illegal firearms.

Operation Athena Chair Detective Superintendent John Watson said these firearms pose a “real and imminent danger to the public.”

“Australia has the toughest firearm laws in the world, that’s a fact. What these criminals are attempting to do is skirt around these laws and put the public in danger,” he said.

Watson, who is also the commander of the New South Wales (NSW) Police Drug and Firearms Squad, said these firearms had infiltrated the streets, homes, and communities across Australia.

“These firearms could be made out of plastic, screws, sometimes a combination of household equipment. And while they may look clownish or even toy-like, the fact is they are genuine and potentially lethal weapons,” he said.

He said the aim of the symposium was to gather all experts from across Australia to figure out how to disrupt this “dangerous and illegal activity.”

Meanwhile, Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said illegal firearms are all “dangerous and have the potential to harm or kill.”

He noted Tasmania had recently introduced firearms legislation that makes 3D printing of firearms an offence. Blackwood said Tasmania is “already seeing the benefits of this legislation.”

“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation, manufacture and distribution of illicit firearms in our State by conducting planned and responsive operations accordingly. Of course, we also monitor repeat offenders very closely,” he said.

Police Investigating Handguns

Police are currently investigating multiple incidents involving privately-made handguns.

In July, NSW Police, Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police initiated Strike Force Temarang to investigate importation and private manufacturing of firearms.

In late August as part of this investigation, police seized a loaded Glock pistol, a sawn-off rifle, four replica Glock pistols, four privately-manufactured firearms, multiple firearm magazines and firearm parts, three tasers cartridges, a ballistic vest, multiple flick knives, a cannabis plant, and prohibited drugs.

An 18-year-old was arrested for multiple alleged gun offences and will appear at court on Oct. 23.

In a separate case, police pursued a man allegedly found to be carrying a loaded 3D printed .22 calibre handgun in early October.

Meanwhile in 2023, police located and seized several handguns, including four privately-made firearms, four rifles, three gel blasters, a homemade flamethrower, over 70 cannabis plants, large amounts of ammunition, privately manufactured firearm parts, a 3D printer, and various quantities of drugs of dependence in Gordon, NSW.

Gun Laws in Australia

Australia’s national gun laws are among the toughest in the world with tight regulation applying across the country.

Owners of guns need to have a valid reason such as hunting, shooting or work-related reasons. Self defence is not regarded as a genuine reason.

Potential gun owners need to pass background checks that can include mental health assessments.

Western Australia passed the strictest gun laws in the country this year, limiting the number of guns an individual can own depending on licence type.

The Firearms Act will be enforced via a phased approach from March 2025. The Firearms Act 2024 (pdf) will limit the number of guns an individual can own depending on licence type.

Recreational hunters will be restricted to five guns, while primary producers and competition shooters will be able to own up to 10.

This new legislation will require gun owners to undergo a regular health assessment, including a check for mental health, and comply with new storage requirements.

Anyone who decides to apply for a gun licence will be required to undertake “mandatory firearms training.”

The law is supported by a new digital licence scheme that will provide police with real-time access to gun licence details.

Western Australia recently undertook a $64.3 million buyback program in which firearms were surrendered to authorities in return for cash.

Meanwhile, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) Shot Expo 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Victoria from Oct. 19 to 20.

The event will be the first major shooting, hunting, and outdoor trades exhibition since 2019, according to the organisers.