South Australia’s knife crime crisis has continued to escalate, while Labor drags its feet on critical reforms such as banning the sale of machetes.
After yet another machete attack this morning, the Opposition is renewing calls for the Malinauskas Labor Government to put South Australians’ safety first and stop the sale of these dangerous weapons today.
“Every day that passes without banning these weapons is another day where a serious crime can be committed and community safety is put at risk,” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.
“The Government has failed to act with urgency when it comes to knife crime, only introducing laws this year to ban sale of knifes to those under the age of 18 – despite data showing a 15 per cent increase in knife crime across the board.
“The latest incident is deeply concerning and has left a young man in a critical condition. We want to see action now and machetes to be declared a prohibited weapon.”
The Opposition’s calls come after Victoria introduced an interim ban on the sale of machetes, both online and instore, last week – a measure that will not only boost community safety, but also save lives.
“Victoria didn’t sit around waiting for another couple of months after the latest machete attack - they acted immediately,” Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services, Jack Batty said.
“The Attorney General can list the machete as a prohibited weapon with the stroke of a pen – something we have been calling for since November last year. There is no reason why the machete should not be outlawed today.
“New laws have now passed the Parliament but have still not commenced - with reforms for selling knives to children, safe storage and display of knives, and banning machetes remaining in the go-slow lane.
“We need to tackle this problem with more urgency. Every week the Attorney General sits on his hands, on average 80 knife crimes are committed in this state.”
