Glen James Potter: ETU president charged with firearms offences
Glen Potter, who leads the NSW and ACT branch of the Electrical Trades Union, faced court today after police swept his Mount Ousley home in a day-long operation. Authorities say they found 167 firearms and $121,650 in cash among the belongings on the property. Potter, 66, appeared at Bail Division Court from custody, facing multiple charges related to firearm storage and handling, as well as proceeds of crime. He is not charged with illegal possession of firearms.
Police say the firearms, along with ammunition and parts, were discovered in various locations around the home, including couches, beds, bookshelves, and near doorframes. Officers believe the quantities and arrangement were sufficient to warrant serious consideration of imprisonment if convicted. A large sum of cash was found stored in a metal box inside the residence; investigators say it may represent proceeds of crime, though inquiries are ongoing.
Potter’s defense team argues that the firearms collection began before recent legislative changes that tightened gun limits, and that the acquisition occurred over many years. They noted that there has been heightened concern about firearm caches following recent high-profile incidents, but stressed there is no evidence tying Potter’s collection to extremist beliefs or planned wrongdoing. The defense also pointed to Potter’s long history of lawful behavior, including past traffic and personal-violence matters from the 1980s, and suggested an option other than a full prison sentence could be appropriate if he is found guilty.
The prosecution contends that the amount and spread of weapons justify the seriousness of the charge, and that the cash could be linked to criminal activity given the scale of the alleged cache. Potter’s firearm licence is currently suspended.
During the hearing, Magistrate Hugh Donnelly noted the unusual circumstances of the case, including firefighters discovering the firearms while Potter was not present. He acknowledged that Potter has a lengthy record of lawful conduct and that his income might help explain the cash seizure, but he emphasized that the case against Potter is strong overall. Bail was granted with conditions: Potter must report to police three times weekly, abstain from drugs and alcohol, surrender his passport, and avoid firearms or firearm parts, international travel points, and multiple mobile phone providers. He was also instructed not to enter venues that sell firearms.
Potter is due back in court later this month as the investigation continues.
Would you support stricter gun-storage laws or argue that Potter’s case is more about the specifics of this incident rather than broad policy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
