South Australia is set to introduce the toughest knife laws in the country, with new reforms to tackle knife-related crime. These changes, to be presented in Parliament this week by the State Government, will give police greater powers and make it more difficult for knives to end up in the wrong hands.
The new laws come after extensive consultation with South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the community, responding to growing concerns about knife crime both locally and nationwide.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
1. Expanded police powers for wanding searches: Police will have the authority to conduct wanding searches at shopping centres, public transport hubs, on buses and trains, and at licensed venues.
2. New offences for supplying knives to minors: It will be an offence to supply a knife to someone under the age of 18 if the supplier knew, or should have known, the knife could be used in a crime.
3. Banning knife sales to minors: The sale of knives to minors will be prohibited entirely, without exceptions. Retailed will be required to ensure they do not sell knives to anyone under the legal age.
4. Expanding knife carrying offences: Current laws banning the carrying of knives at schools and public places will now extend to childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens, universities, and TAFE SA campuses.
5. Secure storage of knives in stores: Retailers who sell knives will be required to keep them securely locked up or tethered.
6. Mandatory signage in retail premises: Stores selling knives will also have to display clear signs stating that knives cannot be sold to minors.
“While there are legitimate reasons to own a knife, recent events both locally and interstate have highlighted the need for us to crack down on potential knife crime,” Premier Peter Malinauskas says.
“These laws are a major step forward in minimising the risk of knife crime, and ensuring authorities have the powers they need to use wands to search those who may put members of the public at risk.”
These reforms are expected to be introduced in Parliament this week, and if passed, will put South Australia at the forefront of national efforts to combat knife crime.
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