The ACT Government will introduce tougher firearm laws this week, including a cap on the number of guns an individual can own, tighter controls on firearm classifications and a new offence targeting 3D-printed weapons.

The changes are contained in the Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026, which will be introduced to the  Legislative Assembly and have been prioritised following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, according to the ACT Government.

Under the Bill, firearm licence holders will be limited to owning a maximum of five firearms, with exemptions allowing up to 10 firearms for genuine occupational or sporting purposes.

The legislation will also recategorise the types of firearms that can be possessed and used in the Territory, including introducing limits on magazine capacity and rapid-fire weapons.

A new offence will be created to criminalise the possession of digital blueprints that can be used to manufacture firearms or firearm parts using 3D printing technology.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Dr Marisa Paterson said the reforms were the ACT’s response to national safety threats identified after the Bondi attack.

“These new laws address identified risks in uncapped firearm ownership, and reclassify firearms to ensure modern, nationally consistent laws,” Dr Paterson said.

She said the Bill also addressed gaps in existing legislation around emerging technologies.

“The new laws will also respond to gaps in legislation around the production of 3D printed weapons by making it a criminal offence to possess the blueprints to produce these illegal firearms,” the minister said.

The minister said the reforms align with a National Cabinet decision to strengthen firearm laws, with further improvements to be considered in the coming months.