Queensland‘s crackdown on knife crime is escalating, with businesses being warned to prepare for new laws set to be actioned in the coming months.
The government has now set a date when businesses will not be allowed to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18.
After passing the new laws in February and consulting with retailers, the government has announced they will come into effect from September 1.
The laws will also prevent the sale of machetes, axes, swords and gel blasters, and ban them being advertised in a way that suggests them being suitable for combat.
“What we are about is trying to keep our community safer and feel safer and we know the devastating impact that knife crime can have in our community,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
The knife laws have been welcomed by Brett Beasley, whose teenage son Jack was murdered on the Gold Coast in 2019.Â
Brett and his wife Belinda’s advocacy resulted in the creation of Jack’s law to give police wanding powers in party precincts and train stations.
