Thales accused of delaying approval to restore culturally significant military site

Thales Australia, a subsidiary of French defence technology conglomerate Thales Group, has allegedly held up permissions for plans to restore the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum in Lithgow, NSW (of which it is a lessor) for months.

On 25 August this year, the site sustained significant damage requiring immediate repair after three men broke into the museum and stole 27 historically important handguns (deactivated) including Desert Storm and World War II commemorative pistols.

The individuals were later charged by Drug and Firearms Squad detectives, with assistance from Chifley and South Coast Police districts working under Strike Force Ajo. As many as 13 of the stolen handguns were recovered at that time.

John Graham, deputy leader of the NSW government in the Legislative Council and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, speaking in Legislative Council during November, described the museum has “significance not just to the region, but to the state and country”.

“It is of concern. This is a small but culturally significant institution in our state. It reflects the long history, including some of the military history, of the state, which is of significance not just to Lithgow and the region, but to the state and the country,” he said.

“It is a place that reflects some of the history of our country at a moment when we were worried about the fate of the country altogether. I am aware of the issues. I have had representations from other members and I have met with, for example, the Honourable Robert Borsak and the agencies involved to see what assistance can be provided.

“That discussion is ongoing ... It has led to the institution being under great pressure. That is a real shame and the community is less well off as a result. There is not an immediate fix to this issue but it is under very active consideration at the moment, both by government agencies and the government itself.

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“I am not in a position to assure the House that there is a clear way forward but I can assure members that it is a priority. It is an important site and we want to get to a better place with it.”

The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum is considered historically important because of its expansive collection of Australian and international production firearms, defence industry prototypes and experimental models of rifles, pistols and heavier military equipment.

In addition, the collection has reportedly been used as a resource by the global firearms research community, Australian Crime Commission, police, ballistics, and forensics experts to enhance knowledge databases, solve crimes, and support court cases.

Museum voluntary organisers have reportedly stated that the August break-in damage has resulted in unprecedented challenges, including the ongoing cost of night security patrols and the likely permanent closure of the museum.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party chairman and NSW Legislative Council member Robert Borsak, who attended the now-closed museum following the damage, said all firearms had been ordered off display by NSW Police until security processes were cleared.

“The museum was fully compliant in all ways with the conditions of its licence. Since then, it’s been subjected to the need for security guards and a whole litany of new licensing requirements which must be met before they can reopen,” he said.

“At this time, they are prepared to do all necessary to reopen; however, they are being delayed by Thales, the owners of the facilities they occupy.

“Thales must understand that this is a significant cultural icon of shooting and manufacturing and should go out of their way to cooperate with the museum.

“We are aware there is an opportunity for the museum to buy the premises for $1, based on a very generous offer by Thales. It would be good PR for Thales to move swiftly on their support of the museum.”

In addition, Borsak said he had attended meetings with NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, Deputy Commissioner David Hudson and SSAA NSW CEO Andrew Macauley to discuss the situation.

Thales Australia, owner and proprietor of the Lithgow Small Arms Facility, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing with the museum, during a statement to media in November.

"We recognise the museum’s significance to Australia’s defence industrial heritage and to the Lithgow community; we are committed to supporting its ongoing operation," according to the company.

"To this end, Thales Australia has communicated to the museum its willingness to commit to a long-term lease arrangement which will ensure the museum’s enduring presence as part of the Lithgow Small Arms Facility.

"Thales Australia is aware of the necessary security upgrades to the museum proposed and confirmed by NSW Police following the recent break-in of August 2024. A long-term lease will allow for the museum to make not only the necessary security upgrades but other upgrades that the museum has budgeted for in their funds.

"Our primary concern is the security of the Lithgow community and the Lithgow Small Arms Facility, which is a critical defence asset. Thales Australia is committed to working with the museum’s board and volunteers, as well as NSW Police and the Lithgow community to assist them in putting in place appropriate arrangements that will see the museum re-opened as soon as possible."

The company has previously outlined online that the entire Lithgow Small Arms Factory site has “played a critical role in providing the Australian Defence Force with cutting edge, locally made technology for more than 110 years”.

“Since opening in 1912, Lithgow Arms has underpinned our national defence capabilities, as a manufacturer and supplier of small arms for Australian soldiers to use in battlefields around the world,” the company said.

“The factory now designs and manufactures military-grade rifles used by Australian forces (EF88), as well as sporting rifles for civilian use. Lithgow Arms remains a critical sovereign capability, not only through manufacturing but also across the capabilities of research, design, development, integration and sustainment.

“Thales’ number one priority is ensuring that our products provide Australian soldiers with a capability advantage.”

National Party of Australia politician and NSW Legislative Council member Sam Farraway, speaking publicly. has stated that it would be “a real blow to see the museum closed (forever) due to the break-in”.

“This museum is a vital part of our community, showcasing our proud history and drawing in tourists that support local businesses,” he said.

“I’ve met with the community group behind the museum and raised this urgent issue with Minister John Graham in Parliament. He’s acknowledged how important this attraction is and promised to get back to me on what the government can do to help get it reopened.

“Many have asked about reopening and the reasons for the delay. The main issue is that we’ve been waiting over seven weeks so far, for approval on urgent security upgrades stipulated by NSW Police after the recent break-in. Until these relatively simple upgrades are carried out, we are paying $5,000 a week for security guards.

“The site owner requires approval for all work and has given no indication of when this approval could be expected. This is despite them being made aware of the financial impact on the museum and the strain on volunteer morale and stress levels. These urgent upgrades are the first in a series of 14 upgrades each individually needing approval. And then we need to rebuild the museum.

“Over the past seven years there has been an understanding that the museum would purchase the site it occupies for a nominal price. A draft contract was received in February 2022 and legal work progressed on both sides, but progress has stalled for reasons which have not been made clear to the museum committee.

“The heritage site is an integral part of the museum, which exists to conserve, honour and share the history of this unique place – the UNESCO listed archives, the employee stories that played out there, the buildings, machinery, and factory-made products and components. The retention of these artifacts in their original industrial buildings provides a living museum rather than merely a collection of historical objects.

“Given the delays and lack of communication impeding both the security upgrades and the necessary transfer of ownership of the museum’s site, we’re not confident that the museum can continue to operate under these conditions. But we’ll fight to bring it back for everyone who values our Australian heritage.”