The NSW Government has tabled a package of reforms to target the possession of knives, particularly among young people, with retailers welcoming the move.
The new legislation will be modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which will give police powers to wand or scan people for knives without a warrant in designated areas such as transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.
It comes less than a month after the Bondi Junction stabbing attack, when six people were killed, with the attacker being fatally shot at the scene by a member of the NSW Police Force.
The new powers will be made available in circumstances where a relevant weapons/knife crime has occurred within the past six months. An authority can then be issued by police, enabling them to wand or scan people, with the authority lasting for 12 hours, with an option to extend as required.
It will also make it illegal to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18, with provisions for exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study. This includes increasing penalties for people selling knives to people under the age of 18.
“In recent weeks and months, we have all borne witness to the devastating outcomes of knife related violence,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said
“I know that many in our community have followed the devastating media coverage and heard the stories of victims and families – tragically there have been so many recent examples.
“Our communities are still in mourning, but it’s essential that we step up to take immediate action to send a clear message that NSW will simply not accept these kinds of crimes.
“Today we are announcing reform including legislation modelled on new powers for police to search and detect knives in public spaces, based on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, and a common-sense increase to the age limit for purchasing knives from 16 to 18 to make it harder for children to get access to these deadly weapons.”
The Australian Retailers Association welcomed the new package of reforms, with CEO Paul Zahra saying they will help improve protection for retail workers and customers.
“In our communities, retail precincts aren't just places to shop—they're vital hubs for socialising, dining, and employment. Everyone deserves to feel safe in these spaces,” he said.
“We appreciate the continued focus by the NSW Government on this important area of public safety with this latest package of proposed reforms. We are committed to collaborating with the NSW Government to establish clear and practical regulations regarding the sale of knives to minors.
“Consistency and effectiveness are key and we're ready to ensure our members are aligned with these standards. We would also like to see better alignment across states and territories around retail crime legislation.”
The reforms build upon responsible action taken by the NSW Government including the doubling of the maximum penalties for various knife related offences in 2023, and the review by the NSW Sentencing Council into of sentencing for firearms, knives, and other weapons offences.
It also follows ongoing NSW Police operations such as “Operation Foil” – a targeted operation which last ran from April 11 to 13, targeting knife crime and anti-social behaviour with 51 knives/weapons seized and 145 people charged with weapon-related offences.
In the last year alone, almost 4,000 knives were seized in public places.
Attorney General Michael Daley said the new reforms will increase police powers, initiate tougher penalties and sends a clear message that it is not okay to carry a knife.
“There are too many young people who think it is okay to put a knife into their pocket to carry out their daily business,” Daley said. “The worrying thing is that, if they are open to carrying it, then they are probably open to using it.
“We want people to stop carrying knives, to leave them at home and to stop using them.”