End knife violence

The new laws will help protect the community and further deter knife crime and youth offending. 

Retailers will also be required to securely store particular controlled items such as double-edged knives, machetes, tomahawks and axes and will be required to display signage regarding age-restricted items. In addition, any advertising of knives or controlled items that suggests them ‘suitable for combat’ will be prohibited. 

The Queensland Police Service will be enforcing these new laws from 1 September, by conducting in-store visits for compliance checks and expanding wanding operations.

Businesses are encouraged to start making changes immediately.

If you have questions about the new laws, they may be answered below.

What items are affected?

Knives, daggers with a double-edged blade, knives with blades at both ends, swords, machetes, axes, sickles, scythes, spear guns, spears, replica firearms including gel blasters that are also replica firearms, and any other bladed item prescribed by regulation. 

Are all knives restricted?

No. Plastic or wooden knives designed to be used for eating, knives with a rounded or dull edge such as a butter knife, and knives designed for use as a cheese knife are not restricted.

Can a false ID be used to purchase a knife? 

Under the legislation, any young person attempting purchase these items using a false identification could be charged with an offence.

How is advertising of knives affected? 

Under the new laws it will be prohibited to advertise these items through images or words that suggests these items are suitable for combat or intended to be used for violence. For example, images which depict blood or skulls, or words such as ‘killer’ or ‘slayer’. 

This includes any images or markings on the packaging or associated items. 

When can retailers start restricting the sale of knives? 

Retailers are encouraged to start making the necessary changes immediately. Enforcement of these laws will come into effect from 1 September 2024. 

What are my responsibilities as a retailer who sells any of these items? 

Further information can be read in the Prevention of Knife Crime Legislation.

The National Retail Association has partnered with Queensland Police Service to provide advice and resources to businesses affected by the change to knife laws. 

National Retail specialists are holding regular online webinars for businesses to receive an overview of the laws and ask questions. Register for a knife crime webinar

Businesses can contact the National Retail Association for industry insight and advice on their toll-free business hotline: 1800 571 146

Can I be accused of discrimination if I won’t sell a knife to someone? 

The legislation contains a significant amendment to provide retailers with flexibility to restrict the sale of controlled items to minors prior to the commencement of the offence provisions within the Bill by proclamation.

This is achieved by making clear that any retailer that refuses to sell a controlled item to a minor will not be taken to discriminate against the person, on the basis of age, under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1999.

This ensures that any retailer who wishes to introduce measures to restrict the sale of knives and other items to minors can do so immediately and with confidence.