Firearms (Digital Blueprints for 3D Printing) Amendment Bill

Introduction and First Reading

Received from the House of Assembly and read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (17:34): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading explanation and explanation of clauses inserted in Hansard without my reading them.

Leave granted.

Today I introduce the Firearms (Digital Blueprints for 3D Printing) Amendment Bill 2025, a vital step in ensuring our firearms legislation keeps pace with emerging technologies and continues to protect public safety in our state.

This Bill responds to a growing and deeply concerning trend: the proliferation of digitally distributed blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. These files, often obtained online, allow individuals to manufacture lethal weapons without serial numbers, without regulation, and without accountability. This undermines our firearms licensing system and poses a serious threat to community safety.

Our government is committed to a safe, fair, and modern society. We believe in the responsible regulation of firearms, and we recognise that technology must not be allowed to outpace the law. This Bill ensures that our legislation reflects the realities of the digital age.

The key provisions of the Bill are as follows:

1. Prohibition on possession and distribution of digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms, firearm components, and accessories—unless authorised.

2. Clear definitions of what constitutes a digital blueprint, including CAD files and other formats used in additive manufacturing.

3. Exemptions for legitimate research and development, including licensed manufacturers and approved educational institutions, under strict regulatory oversight.

4. Penalties aligned with existing firearms offences, ensuring consistency and deterrence.

This Bill does not target innovation or legitimate use of 3D printing technology. It targets the unregulated and dangerous use of that technology to produce weapons outside the law.

We have consulted with law enforcement, legal experts, and industry stakeholders. The message is clear: we must act now to close this loophole before it becomes a gateway for criminal activity and community harm.

This is a responsible, measured, and necessary reform. It reflects our Labor values—protecting communities, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring our laws evolve with technology.

I commend the Bill to the House.

Explanation of Clauses

Part 1—Preliminary

1—Short title

2—Commencement

These clauses are formal.

Part 2—Amendment of Firearms Act 2015

3—Insertion of section 37A

This clause inserts new section 37A as follows:

37A—Possession of digital blueprint for firearms etc

It is an offence under this section to possess a digital blueprint for a firearm, a firearm part, a sound moderator, a restricted firearm mechanism or a prohibited firearm accessory, with the maximum penalty determined by reference to the kind of item the digital blueprint is for. The offence does not apply to a person who is authorised or otherwise permitted under the Act to manufacture the item the digital blueprint relates to. Provision is made for a number of defences. Definitions are included for various terms used in the section, including what constitutes a digital blueprint, and what amounts to possession.

Schedule 1—Amendment of Summary Offences Act 1953

1—Amendment of section 74BN—Interpretation

2—Amendment of section 74BR—Order to provide information or assistance to access data held on computer etc

3—Amendment of section 74BS—Application for order

4—Amendment of section 74BT—Order required in urgent circumstances

5—Amendment of section 74BW—Effect and operation of order

6—Amendment of section 74BY—Reporting

These clauses together make amendments to Part 16A of the Summary Offences Act 1953, such that if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that data held on a computer or data storage device may afford evidence of an offence against section 37A of the Firearms Act 2015, a police officer may apply to a magistrate for an order requiring a person to provide assistance to the police officer in accessing that device or computer.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. B.R. Hood.