Fines or Jail for Possessing 3D-Printed Gun Blueprints, Belt-Fed Firearms Banned, and New Limits on How Many Guns a Person Can Own
Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026
Topics
3D printed guns criminal penalties firearms law enforcement public safety weapon manufacturing
Introduced by: The Hon Marisa Paterson MLA (ALP) — Minister, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Gaming Reform, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Minister for Women
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
It is a criminal offence to possess digital blueprints for firearms or firearm parts that can be made using a 3D printer or electronic milling machine; offenders face up to 5 years in prison or 500 penalty units (2026: $80,000).
The offence does not apply to licensed firearms dealers; law enforcement officers; or people conducting registrar-approved research.
Belt-fed firearms are classified as prohibited firearms.
Most firearms licensees are limited to 5 firearms; those with genuine reasons such as primary production, sport shooting, business, or pest control can hold up to 10 or a number approved by the registrar.
Collectors, composite entities, and firearms dealers have no limit on the number of firearms they can hold.
The registrar must refuse a permit to acquire a firearm if the person would exceed their licence limit.
The registrar must refuse to register a person as a user of a firearm if it would put them over their licence limit.
People with more than one type of licence are limited to the highest number of firearms allowed under any one of those licences.
News articles and press releases
Five-firearm limit for gun owners and tighter controls under proposed new ACT laws
Marisa Paterson MLA, ACT Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services — 2026-02-02
These new laws address identified risks in uncapped firearm ownership, and reclassify firearms to ensure modern, nationally consistent laws.