A recent report by The Australia Institute has revealed a concerning trend in gun theft across Australia, with approximately 2,000 firearms stolen each year. This alarming statistic emerges from a comprehensive analysis of police data from all eight states and territories, highlighting the persistent challenge of illegal firearms entering the black market.
The report follows earlier findings that indicate Australia is home to over four million guns, surpassing the number present before the infamous Port Arthur massacre. Over the past 21 years, at least 44,631 firearms have been reported stolen, a figure researchers describe as conservative due to potential underreporting.
“Thousands of guns are flowing into the hands of criminals every year, putting Australians in danger,” stated Rod Campbell, research director at The Australia Institute. He emphasized the ease with which legal firearms can become illegal, exacerbating public safety concerns.
Impact of Homemade and 3D Printed Guns
Earlier this month, law enforcement expressed concern over the rise of homemade and 3D printed firearms, following a nationwide crackdown that resulted in over 800 charges. Despite these concerns, Campbell clarified that the majority of illegal firearms stem from thefts of legally owned guns, rather than 3D printing or illegal imports.
“Theft of legal guns is the main source of illegal guns in Australia, not 3D printing or illegal imports,” Campbell noted. He warned that the proliferation of legal firearms inevitably leads to an increase in illegal ones, drawing parallels to the situation in the United States.
Policy Stagnation and Future Directions
Campbell urged all states and territories to adopt measures similar to those in Western Australia, which caps the number of guns per individual. He criticized the stagnation in national gun control efforts since the landmark reforms introduced by Prime Minister John Howard in 1996.
These reforms included the establishment of a National Firearms Register, a goal that remains unfulfilled but is slated for completion by 2028. “It was agreed in 1996 that there would be a National Firearms Register. We are now getting it done,” stated Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Despite this progress, Campbell criticized both state and federal governments for their complacency, stressing the need for continuous action to ensure community safety. “This research shows that gun control and keeping the community safe requires ongoing efforts from all levels of government,” he asserted.
Challenges for Law Enforcement
For law enforcement agencies, the prevalence of stolen firearms complicates the investigation of serious crimes, including aggravated burglaries, assaults, and homicides. An ACT Police spokesperson highlighted the importance of preventing unregistered firearms from reaching criminals, as these weapons pose significant threats to public safety.
“Preventing unregistered or unlawful firearms from falling into the wrong hands helps us keep the community safe. By removing these weapons from the community, we can prevent them from being used for criminal activity,”
the spokesperson said.
As Australia grapples with the implications of rising gun theft, the report underscores the urgent need for renewed focus on gun control measures. The path forward involves not only legislative action but also a concerted effort from all levels of government to address the root causes of firearm theft and ensure the safety of all Australians.
