Authorities introduce scan zones in bustling areas—how will you adjust to drastic knife law changes?

As of this Friday, Western Australians will find themselves navigating the 'toughest' knife laws in the nation, a significant shift in legislation that aims to bolster community safety by granting police unprecedented powers to search for knives and other weapons.

But what does this mean for the average citizen, and how will these changes impact daily life in WA?

With harsher penalties for carrying prohibited items and increased police discretion in public areas, these laws are set to reshape how individuals approach personal safety and everyday activities.


The new laws empower police officers to use metal detectors to scan individuals of any age for knives and other weapons at any time and place without the need for suspicion of a crime.

This sweeping authority is part of the government's strategy to deter knife-related crimes and increase security in public spaces.

In Perth's five 'Protected Entertainment Precincts'—Perth/Northbridge, Scarborough, Fremantle, Hillarys, and Mandurah—officers can pull aside anyone for scanning.


1734487984967.png
Western Australia's 'toughest' knife laws to be implemented, with police granted extra search powers. Credit: sturti / iStock


Additionally, police ranked Inspector and above can designate scan zones for up to 12 hours in publicly accessible areas such as shopping centres, train stations, and during community or sporting events.

The searches will be conducted using hand-held wands or traditional walk-through metal detectors.

The penalties for non-compliance are severe: selling an edged weapon to someone under 18 could result in up to three years in jail and a $36,000 fine.


If a scan indicates the presence of metal, police will request to see the item.

Refusal to comply or to reveal the metal object can lead to arrest, a search, and potentially a $12,000 fine or a year in prison.

Being found with an 'edged weapon' carries a penalty of up to three years in jail or a $36,000 fine.

However, there are exceptions for items needed for employment, lawful sport, recreation, entertainment, or for lawful collection purposes.

Notably, self-defence is not considered a legal reason to carry a knife.

These stringent laws were introduced amid heightened concerns over knife crime, highlighted by tragic incidents such as the Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbing and the murder of Petr Levkovskiy in WA.


While such events have captured public attention, the data on knife assaults leading to hospital admissions in WA has been declining over the last decade.

However, ambulance call-outs for stabbings have increased, encompassing a range of scenarios, including self-harm and accidental injuries.

Police Minister Paul Papalia cited these high-profile crimes as a driving force behind the new legislation, which draws parallels to Queensland's 'Jack's Law', enacted in 2021 after the fatal stabbing of teenager Jack Beasley.

Queensland's experience with these laws has seen 641 weapons confiscated from over 66,000 scans in 14 months, equating to a weapon found in approximately one in every 100 scans.

Dr Margo van Felius, a former detective and now a criminology lecturer at Griffith University, suggested that removing knives from the streets is a positive outcome and that community safety perceptions have improved.

Introducing these laws has sparked a debate over the balance between community safety and individual rights.


Dr van Felius acknowledges the 'inherent tension' in such legislation, which involves searching people without reasonable suspicion, potentially infringing on human rights.

The Griffith University review also raised concerns about 'net widening', where incidental findings during a weapons search, such as possession of small amounts of cannabis, could lead to additional charges.

Knowing your rights and the scope of these new laws is crucial as Western Australians adjust to these changes.

Whether heading out for a night on the town or simply commuting to work, understanding the potential for scans and searches is now part of the reality in WA.

The government and law enforcement agencies argue that these measures are necessary for public safety.

Still, citizens must stay informed and engaged in the conversation about how these laws are implemented and their impact on civil liberties.
Key Takeaways

  • Western Australia will implement what is described as the nation's 'toughest' knife laws, granting police extra powers to search for knives and other weapons.
  • Police officers can scan any individual with metal detectors in designated areas and during set times without suspicion of a crime.
  • Fines and penalties are set to increase significantly for carrying or selling edged weapons, with various circumstances under which carrying an edged weapon is permitted.
  • The effectiveness of such laws is debated, with some arguing they improve community safety while others highlight concerns about civil liberties and the potential for net widening.
Have you encountered a scan zone yet? Do you feel safer with these measures, or are you concerned about privacy and rights? Let us know in the comments below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
HOW ABOUT bringing in a law, to MAKE ALL SHOPS/ PREMISES, that DISPLAY KNIFES to PLACE ALL SUCH WEAPONS BEHIND SECURITY SCREENS. ( that MIGHT BE A START). there is a saying.............DONT TEMPT FATE..
And screwdrivers, forks, frying pans, glass drinking glasses, hammers....the list goes on. Just about anything can be fashioned into a weapon. A pool ball in a football sock, a 2 litre bottle of frozen water.

Don't forget! John Wick killed three men in a bar with a....PENCIL!! :ROFLMAO:
 
Knife laws have been around for years, just in a different form.

Generally under the law of "carrying an offensive weapon" or "the use of a controlled weapon".

Over 25 years ago, my next door neighbour was arrested for "carrying an offensive weapon". He had a fishing knife on him. The strange thing was he was fishing at Circular Quay!
Was he charged with cruelty to animals?
You know that's not far-fetched.
Will those scanners detect ceramic blades? I so wish for a fairy with a magic wand to 'puff away' this brave, ever evolving, new world.
 
Hopefully Swiss Army Knives, other multitools, and other simple, useful folding knives that were even given out to boy scouts in the 1950's-60's will be exempt. Having your little folding pocketknife in its pouch on your belt (often right next to your pocket-watch in its leather pouch as well) has been a big part of rural life for many older Australians for many decades. It' just part of life. Next, they'll be removing the "That's not a knife, THAT'S a knife" scene from Crocodile Dundee for being a 'bad influence'.
No, they are NOT exempt, I know 2 people who have had their Swiss knives confiscated!
 
If they know there's a lot of knife crime in an area and they know the people doing it, then it's a very good thing to do. 👍
 
  • Like
Reactions: relljube
So everybody is roped into the lowest common denominator there are a few idiots with knives now nobody can carry a knife I have always had a pen knife with me not with any idea to attack some body just in case I need a knife to cut something
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×