QPS launches campaign in lead up to knife sale crackdown

Published Wednesday, 29 May, 2024 at 12:25 PM

Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Mark Ryan

  • New knife laws will prohibit the sale of knives to minors from September 1.
  • Queensland Police Service officially launches new campaign, ‘End Knife Violence’ supporting changes to knife laws and violence prevention activities.
  • Retailers are urged to know their responsibilities under the new laws which prohibit the sale of knives and other items to minors.
  • More than 570 knives have been seized state-wide since Jack’s Law passed in March 2023.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched a new knife crime prevention campaign ‘End Knife Violence’, in support of new knife laws coming into effect on 1 September 2024.

The ‘End Knife Violence’ campaign urges Queenslanders to work together to make our state safer and end knife violence.

The campaign also aims to support awareness among businesses of their new responsibilities once legislation comes into effect.

The new laws, which ban the sale of knives to juveniles, will require retailers to securely store particular controlled items such as double-edged knives, machetes, tomahawks, and axes and display signage regarding age-restricted items.

Any advertising of knives or controlled items that suggests them ‘suitable for combat’ will be prohibited to further curb notoriety of weapon carrying.

In a joint effort, the QPS has partnered with National Retail Association who will undertake extensive engagement activities including visiting thousands of retailers across more than 500 shopping centres and precincts across Queensland.

There will also be a range of support services available to help businesses understand the new laws and transition smoothly including advice, fact sheets and signage along with free online training sessions and a phone hotline.

The new laws signify a major step towards reducing weapon accessibility among young people and advancing the fight against knife crime.

QPS will be enforcing these laws once they come into effect in September, including in-store compliance visits.

Since Jack’s Law passed in March 2023, 577 weapons have been seized during more than 5,600 operations across the state.

Jack’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of Jack Beasley in 2019, allowing police to conduct metal detection wanding operations in Safe Night Precincts on public transport and at public transport hubs.

More than 59,000 people have been ‘wanded’ during operations, with 1,500 people charged with 2,800 offences.

Find out more at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/end-knife-violence

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan:

“This campaign marks a line in the sand- if you choose to take a dangerous weapon into our community, you can expect to be caught.

“There is no reason for young people to be walking the streets with knives, machetes, axes and the array of dangerous weapons we’ve been seeing.

“I encourage local businesses to get on board, engage with these resources to prepare for September 1 when new laws will restrict the sale of controlled weapons to minors.

“Retailers have the power to help protect their communities, and we thank them for working with police to help end knife violence.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders I would like to thank Brett and Belinda Beasley and Michael and Kerri-Lynn Stewart for their unrelenting commitment to keeping the community safe.

“They have shown incredible strength to endure the tragedies that have struck their families and then go on to create a legacy for the loved ones they lost.

“The Miles Government is committed to ensuring that their efforts have an enduring legacy for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Commissioner Steve Gollschewski

“Keeping our communities safe is our first priority.

“We have seen the devastating impacts from knife crime, including the lifelong trauma for victims, their families, and the community. 

“Jack’s Law has been an incredible step forward in the fight against knife crime in Queensland.

“Alongside our enforcement efforts, these new laws will help stop young people from having access to these dangerous knives to begin with.”

Quotes attributable to David Stout, Director Policy, National Retail Association

“These laws will mean safer retail precincts for businesses, their staff and customers.

“Retailers are overwhelmingly supportive of the new laws, and we are working to provide them the time and support needed to help implement any necessary changes.

“We will be working closely a range of stakeholders, from national retailers and suppliers to small businesses and e-commerce retailers, to help them understand their obligations under the new laws, train their teams, and educate their customers.

“We look forward to working alongside Queensland Police Service to support the transition and help combat juvenile knife crime and offending.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

  • Under the new laws:
    • It will become an offence to sell knives and other controlled items to juveniles.
    • It will become an offence to use false identification to purchase these items.
    • It will become an offence to advertise these items as 'suitable for combat'.
    • Retailers will be required to securely store particular controlled items prior to sale.
    • Retailers will be required to display signage regarding age restriction for sales.
  • Toll-free hotline for retailers: 1800 571 146

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444