Criminals are making them, a very simple design easy to make.
Submachine-guns found in weapons factory
The discovery of an underground weapons factory in Melbourne producing submachine-guns fitted with silencers is a dangerous development in the context of the city's gangland war, federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison warned yesterday.
He revealed that three Owen submachine-guns and parts to make another six had been seized from a building in Melbourne's south-east.
The Australian Crime Commission and the Victoria Police carried out the raid last month.
Senator Ellison said the weapons were being made on the property but he would not say exactly where it was.
"There is no doubt that if you manufacture an Owen submachine-gun with a 30 round clip to go with it that is a very serious weapon indeed," Senator Ellison told The Age.
"It's not designed for duck shooting. These are highly dangerous weapons.
"In view of the situation in Victoria, the seizure is of even more significance.
"These weapons could see an escalation of violence - there's no doubt about that.
"These are very powerful weapons, tailor-made for criminals and serious criminals."
Senator Ellison said investigators were still trying to ascertain the weapons' destination.
Senator Ellison said it was particularly worrying that the Owen guns were being made in Australia.
https://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/22/1090464799535.html