The Queensland Police Service and the National Retail Association will join forces in an awareness campaign in the lead up to new knife laws coming into effect.
From September 1, the new laws, which ban the sale of knives to juveniles, require retailers to securely store “controlled items” such as double-edged knives, machetes, tomahawks, and axes and display signage regarding age-restricted items.
A new “End Knife Violence” campaign aims to raise awareness among businesses of their new responsibilities once legislation comes into effect.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said any advertising of knives or controlled items that suggested they were ‘suitable for combat’ would be prohibited.
“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,” Minister Ryan said.
“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.”
Minister Ryan said QPS would be enforcing the laws once they come into effect in September, including in-store compliance visits.
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.
The toll-free hotline for retailers is 1800 571 146
Businesses can access online sessions, email the National Retail Association or visit the Queensland Police Service website for more information
