Law looks at printed guns

Can’t legislate against stupidity, advocate for crime victims tells inquiry

A VICTIMS of crime organisation claims criminals committing most firearms offences have no regard for the law and so law reform would not deter them.

An inquiry has been established to investigate the illegal firearms trade and examine the threat 3D printed guns pose to the Australian way of life.

The Australian Greensinitiated Senate inquiry, which held its first round of public hearings yesterday in Sydney, will investigate what can be done to reduce the number of illegal guns.

Victims of Crime Assistance League vice-president Howard Brown, in his submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, said the government could not legislate against stupidity.

“It should also be noted that no amount of legislative control will deter, nor prevent, the criminal intent of those members of society who elect to treat the rest of us with disdain,” Mr Brown said.

“There is no doubt that some of the offences are committed with stolen firearms but, regrettably, it would seem that the majority are committed with weapons whose providence is unknown.”

However, Mr Brown said it was the potential for people to manufacture their own weapons through the use of 3D printers which was of most concern.

He said thankfully current technology did not allow people to print moulds, but believed this would change as the tech- nology advanced.

“Once we reach that stage, the proliferation of illegal weapons will be endless and create yet another nightmare.”

Greens Senator and committee chair Penny Wright said it was anticipated the inquiry would provide some strong recommendations to the government in a bid to tackle the growing issue.

“Stolen firearms are a ready source for criminals and we have been told police only recover firearms from 12–14% of thefts,” Ms Wright said.