The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was invited to attend and participate in the Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) symposium convened by Operation Athena, a law enforcement group established under the Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee (SOCCC). SOCCC comprises representatives from all Australian policing jurisdictions as well as New Zealand Police and several Australian Commonwealth agencies.
Our Patron Walter Mikac AM, together with Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood APM, delivered a joint opening keynote address calling for law enforcement agencies, government and industry to work collaboratively to address the serious issue of 3D-printed and privately made firearms.
Our Senior Advocacy Advisor Stephen Bendle further contributed as part of a multi-sector panel discussing the actions and the collaboration that is needed to address the rapid advance in this technology.
Image: Tasmania Police’s Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood APM, SOCCC Athena Taskforce Sponsor; Alannah & Madeline Foundation Patron Walter Mikac AM; Alannah & Madeline Foundation Senior Advocacy Advisor Stephen Bendle.
The issue of PMFs compared to other forms of illicit firearms is small, but evidence from law enforcement, academics, researchers and the engineering industry demonstrated that PMFs are no longer an “emerging issue”.
PMFs are relatively low cost to assemble, often with a combination or 3D-printed and other lawfully procured materials. The design files are available online if you know where to look. They can be made, distributed, used and destroyed easily.
All participants recognise the need to build the necessary momentum and partnerships to address this public-safety challenge before a tragedy occurs.
Australia is a global leader in legislating against PMFs, with NSW one of the first jurisdictions in the world to criminalise the possession of digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. Tasmania has followed NSW’s lead, with South Australia in advanced stages of legislation drafting. All other jurisdictions must catch-up to ensure a strong, consistent national approach.
Law enforcement across the country have seen the developments in their local jurisdictions and recognised the value in coming together to compare notes, share learnings and build a better understanding of the national status and actions that need to be taken.
Operation Athena will collaborate in partnerships and intelligence, prevent and disrupt the activities surrounding PMFs, investigate and prosecute while building resilience in security systems, and ensure appropriate resources are applied to the issue.
The Foundation will continue to work with all agencies to increase public awareness of this issue. We will advocate to government and decision makers for the strengthening of legislation and regulations in regard to PMFs and continue to take steps to keep Australians safe.
