NT Up to 14 Years Jail for Making or Owning Digital Blueprints for 3D Printed Firearms or Altering Firearms

Firearms Amendment Bill 2026

5 May 2026: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

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Topics

criminal penalties firearms law enforcement public safety weapon manufacturing

Introduced by: The Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA (CLP) — Chief Minister

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People who intentionally make, sell, share, or own digital blueprints for 3D printing or milling firearms, their parts, or silencers face up to 14 years jail.
Law enforcement, legal professionals, and licensed manufacturers are exempt from the blueprint ban.
People who alter, destroy, or disable a firearm or its parts face up to 14 years jail.
Ammunition sellers must check that buyers hold a valid licence or permit for the type of firearm that uses that ammunition.
Firearm licence holders must notify the Commissioner if a firearm is destroyed, damaged, or disposed of.
The Commissioner can revoke, change, or add new conditions on firearm licences and permits after they are issued.
People who held a firearm licence, permit, or registration before this law starts must tell the Commissioner in writing within 30 days if the firearm was destroyed, damaged, or disabled. Those who recklessly fail to do this can be fined or jailed for up to 12 months.
A firearm licence stays valid after it expires if the holder applied for a new licence of the same type before the expiry date and is still waiting for a decision.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Lia Finocchiaro CLP

“Madam Speaker, I present a Bill titled Firearms Amendment Bill 2026, Serial 61, and table the explanatory statement. I move that the Bill now be now read a first time. The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Firearms Act 1997 to implement recommendation 5A of the Approvals Fast-Track Taskforce report and related purposes that support the implementation of recommendation 5A.”

Official source →

Selena Uibo ALP

“Mr Deputy Speaker, guns have a legitimate and enduring place in the Northern Territory. They are an essential tool for primary producers managing land and pests. Our rangers use them to manage feral animals that pose environmental and community risks.”

Official source →

Gerard Maley CLP

“Madam Speaker, I support the Firearms Bill 2026. This is a practical, sensible and modernising piece of legislation. It improves the integrity of the firearms register, cuts unnecessary red tape and recognises the legitimate role that firearms play in the Territory lifestyle.”

Official source →

Andrew Mackay CLP

“Madam Speaker, I support the Firearms Amendment Bill 2026. Let us talk about what this Bill does. It acts on the work of the Approvals Fast-Track Taskforce, represents another step in reducing red tape and ensures the Territory is a great place to live, work and run a business.”

Official source →