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There’s room for growth in the manufacturing of defence technology, including firearms, according to comments from NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong.
Minister Chanthivong made the comments during the official opening of space and defence company Saber Astronautics’ new Chippendale research and development facility in Sydney last month.
Industry had previously raised concerns about the development of manufacturing, specifically for firearms, due to recent category and importation legislation changes after the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack.
“New South Wales has the biggest defence industry across the country… over 40 percent of the nation's manufacturing happens right here in New South Wales,” he said.
“A recent example that we have was Kongsberg which is a significant defence munitions manufacturer actually locate and invest in the Hunter region. So there’s great confidence in the New South Wales economy when it comes to weapons and munitions manufacturing.
“We have obviously Thales that's actually here, and a number of defence companies are looking to invest in New South Wales.
“Our legislation the role of any government is to always keep our community safe and in one sense I think Australia has a very strong culture in determining of community safety and that you know the access to firearms is not something Australians generally support… Our community always feels that fewer weapons (being) publicly available is probably a good thing, not a bad thing.
“But in terms of the manufacturing itself I do think there is obviously still scope for that to happen and I think recent investments in the defence industry shows that there's obviously future potential to grow.”
Earlier this year, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group deputy secretary Chris Deeble, commenting in public submissions for local heritage listing in Lithgow, raised the potential for large-scale machinegun manufacturing at Lithgow Small Arms Factory outside Sydney in NSW.
“Defence has… commenced negotiations with Thales to industrialise machinegun manufacture at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory to improve supply chain resilience and assure this capability for the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“This significant investment in Australian industry supports our Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities.”
Other firearms manufacturers have confirmed plans to scale back due to the currently adverse legislative environment; including Canberra-based manufacturer GC Precision Developments, which makes modular precision rifle systems for civilian, law enforcement and military applications.
“It is with a heavy heart that we advise GCPD Arms is no longer taking civilian orders. We have had to accept that it is no longer viable to support the civilian market at this point in time,” the company said in a public statement.
“This is due to a number of factors: recent decisions made by the Albanese Labor government; drop in revenue following WA’s capped firearms legislation; Australia’s current economic climate and increasing regulatory burden have all heavily impacted market stability.
“Thank you to all our customers for their support over the past 10 years, who’ve helped us grow GCPD Arms from a backyard operation to a world-class manufacturer of firearms.
“Loyal repeat customers, followers commenting positively on our posts, and those appreciating the craftsmanship behind our work.
“This has not been a decision we’ve made lightly. Stepping away from the civilian market is bittersweet, but it allows us to focus on our next chapter. We’re grateful for the trust, support and relationships built along the way, and we look forward to the new opportunities ahead.”
Robert Dougherty
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