End knife violence

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 to 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 came 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. 

Does this legislation apply only to retailers or to all sellers?

These requirements are applicable to any seller of knives and other controlled items. In addition to retailers, this includes:

• Wholesalers
• Market stall holders
• Online businesses
• Other online sellers, including through social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Any seller found in breach of the legislation may be charged with an offence.

I’m not sure if some products that I sell meet the definition of a controlled item. How can I check this? 

The Guide for Sellers booklet includes examples of items that are controlled and the different categorisations of these items, to help determine whether it needs to be securely stored.

If you still aren’t sure about a particular item, you can contact the National Retail Association for assistance.

Some of my employees are under 18 years of age. Can they sell knives to customers?

Employees under 18 years of age can sell knives and other controlled items to customers, provided the customers are over 18 years of age.

Restrictions apply to employees who are under 18 years of age if they want to purchase controlled items for themselves, regardless of whether they are an employee.

Are there restrictions on owners of knives and other controlled items?

The new laws apply to the purchase of knives and other controlled items. There are no changes for owners of knives and other controlled items. Although it is not a legal requirement, it is recommended that owners of these items secure them at home for improved safety and security.