A Canberra high school teacher with nearly 22 years of service was terminated in January 2026 after printing a 3D replica firearm and bringing it to school to demonstrate 3D-printing technology to students.

The incident occurred in April 2025 when the teacher, described as a digital technology and maths educator in her mid-50s, proudly showed the replica to an executive teacher upon arrival at school. The executive teacher disapproved and instructed her to put the replica back in her bag. According to Fair Work Commissioner McKinnon, the teacher demonstrated pulling the top of the firearm back as if preparing to fire, to which her superior responded, "you can't show that to students."

In the days leading up to the incident, submissions to the Fair Work Commission revealed discussions among staff about promoting technology-related learning, including 3D printing, to encourage elective uptake. A fellow teacher noted the replica gun "looked quite realistic."

Following the incident, the teacher was suspended while investigations were conducted by ACT Policing and the ACT Public Sector Standards Commissioner. The school ultimately terminated her employment.

The teacher filed an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission, arguing that the sacking was disproportionate and harsh given the isolated nature of the incident and her long tenure. However, the Commission rejected the claim, finding the dismissal was not unfair.

Reflecting on the event, the teacher acknowledged she should have sought permission before bringing the replica to school. The Commission's findings highlighted the serious judgment lapse, especially considering the reactions of other teachers who recognized potential risks.

The teacher questioned, "in what circumstances would she have expected permission to be granted to bring a replica firearm to school, or to show it to teenage students as an example of what they could make with technology, or indeed any other purpose?"

Sources

ABC Australia News