The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) shares the concerns of our law enforcement partners regarding the presence of privately manufactured firearms and 3D-printed hybrids in our community. We recognise the significant risk posed to the public and frontline personnel by unregistered and privately manufactured firearms, and we are actively monitoring this threat.
While firearms linked to serious and organised crime activities are predominantly commercially and legitimately produced weapons that have been diverted (via theft, for example) from legitimate sources, we are also aware of instances of privately manufactured firearms, including 3D-printed hybrids, in circulation.
The ACIC recently undertook a threat assessment onto the threat of privately made or manufactured firearms in Australia. Our threat assessments consider the intent and capability of serious and organised criminals to undertake activities and are designed to inform government and senior members of partner organisations where policy and legislation changes may be considered. This assessment considered the state of the Australian market for privately manufactured firearms, and criminal attitudes towards them. At this time, no deaths have been attributed to these firearms in Australia.
The continued evolution of 3D-printing technology and the availability of online information related to the development of privately manufactured firearms will undoubtedly influence the efficacy of these weapons and their uptake by criminals at all levels.
Statement attributable to Acting Executive Director Dr Katie Willis.