Criminal Offence for Carrying a Knife in Public or at School
Criminal Legislation Amendment (Knife Crimes) Bill 2023
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People cannot carry a knife in a public place or at school; they face up to 4 years in prison.
Carrying a knife for self-defence is not a reasonable excuse.
People can avoid the offence if the knife is needed for work; this includes education, training, or religious purposes.
People cannot use a knife or carry one visibly in public if it makes others fear for their safety; the penalty is up to 4 years in prison.
These knife offences are now indictable offences triable summarily.
The law updates parental liability for children who carry knives.