Govt sharpens powers
Major youth crime efforts brought forward, Miles confirms
A ban on the sale of knives to children will be brought forward, punishment for possessing a knife in a public place increased and police powers to search people for weapons expanded under a new effort to combat youth crime.
Premier Steven Miles announced the measures at a press conference on Monday after meeting with his frontbenchers.
Mr Miles confirmed the state government would bring forward, as soon as possible, laws to ban the sale of knives to children.
The legislation is currently in the committee phase, with a deadline to report back to parliament this February. Mr Miles confirmed cabinet had also agreed to “consider how we should expand the use” of GPS ankle monitors on children, noting Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll had briefed government on challenges surrounding implementation.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the “drop dead” date for when retailers can no longer sell knives to children will be worked through, with discussions to be had amid moves to pass the laws as soon as possible.
He confirmed any retailer which chose to restrict knife sales immediately once the law passes will be supported to do so.
The details around the expansion of Jack’s Law – which give police powers to use handheld metal detectors to search people for knives – have not been locked in, but shopping centres are a likely target. On increased penalties, the maximum penalty for possessing of a knife in a public place will be increased from 12 months to 18 months.
The expansion of the use of ankle monitors will be explored, despite low-use of the measure since its introduction in May 2021.
A report evaluating the effectiveness of GPS trackers for children, undertaken by former police commissioner Bob Atkinson and released last year, could not conclusively say if the measure worked.
The report noted only children with a stable address, access to a mobile phone and electricity, and parents willing to make sure they comply can be eligible among other criteria.