Submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee Inquiry: The Ability of Australian Law Enforcement Authorities to Eliminate Gun-Related Violence in the Community

Abstract

This is a submission to an Australian Senate review of the law around gun control in Australia. The particular focus of this submission is on 3D printed weapons and the effective enforcement of law. An introduction to 3D printing is given for non-experts, along with the 3D printing ecosystem (consisting of 3D printer manufacturers, online repositories for 3D printing design files and open hardware projects such as the RepRap). The risks of 3D printers being used to manufacture dangerous/restricted items such as firearms is outlined, with a particular focus on the decentralised nature of 3D printing as a social phenomenon. Possible methods of enforcing laws vis-a-vis 3D printing are considered as well as their likelihood of success. Finally, the legitimate vs illegitimate uses of 3D printing are weighed up for the benefit of legislators and regulators.