The Opposition will introduce legislation to Parliament this week to prohibit the sale of knives to individuals under the age of 18.
It is currently an offence to sell a knife to a minor who is under the age of 16. The Bill to be introduced by the Opposition will amend the Summary Offences Act 1953 to also prohibit the sale of a knife to anyone aged 16 or 17.
The introduction of the Bill follows a disturbing spate of alleged knife crimes committed by minors in recent weeks – including two separate incidents on the same day, at the same shopping centre, allegedly involving teenagers aged 16 and 17.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia, said that this sensible reform is aimed at preventing youth crime and making our community safer.
“This common-sense law-reform will help reduce knife crime and keep South Australians safe during a time when we know that crime is unfortunately on the rise,” Mr Tarzia said.
“South Australians deserve to be able to feel safe in their homes, in their workplaces and at their local shops but under Labor’s watch crime is soaring.
“Community safety needs to be more of a priority to the Malinauskas Labor Government. I hope that the Government will support this proposal by the Opposition to make our community safer.”
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services, Jack Batty said he would be introducing the legislation this week to bring South Australia in line with other jurisdictions and to help prevent knife crimes committed by young people.
“There is absolutely no reason for teenagers to be wielding knives around at our local shopping centres,” Mr Batty said.
“The incident at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre allegedly involved teenagers aged 16 and 17. It’s a scary prospect that these minors could have potentially purchased these knives legally under the current law.
“Teenagers can’t buy knives in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia or Queensland – so, why are we letting them buy knives in South Australia?
“There is no time to waste on this issue and I hope we can pass this simple reform quickly.”
Shockingly, statistics from the Australia Bureau of Statistics revealed that in 2022, 44 per cent of attempted murder victimisations involved a knife while 1169 assaults victimisations involved a knife in South Australia.
“This amendment would play a key role in getting knives out of the hands of minors and reducing the number of knife crimes committed across the board,” Mr Batty concluded.
