Over 2,300 deadly weapons surrendered as toughest knife laws take effect

South Australians have been quietly handing over thousands of weapons in recent months, from machetes to swords, in an unprecedented show of compliance.

Behind these numbers is a sweeping crackdown that has already reshaped the state’s approach to knife crime.

Now, as the toughest laws in the nation take shape, the question is whether this bold experiment will change the game for good.

The response has been staggering—2,353 dangerous weapons surrendered at police stations in just three months, including 1,156 machetes and 722 swords.

Authorities said the voluntary amnesty revealed how many lethal items had been sitting unnoticed in homes across South Australia.

But the hand-in program was only the beginning of Parliament’s sweeping reforms, which have been rolled out in a three-phase plan.

The urgency was driven by data showing a 15 per cent rise in knife-related incidents up to October this year compared to the same period in 2023.

Last year, there were 4,706 offences involving knives and bladed weapons, more than 200 higher than 2022.

Yet the early signs were promising, with reductions already seen in aggravated robbery, sexual assault, assaults on police, and common assault.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than half of robberies involved a weapon, with knives used in over a third of cases.

These figures were not just statistics—they reflected victims, families, and communities affected by violence.

A three-phase reform plan

The reforms were rolled out in three stages.

Phase 1, now in place, gave police expanded powers to conduct wand searches at declared shopping centres, transport hubs, and licensed venues.

Phase 2, taking effect from 1 July 2025, banned knife sales to minors and introduced the harshest penalties in the nation for suppliers—up to four years in prison or fines as high as $35,000.

Phase 3, beginning 1 July 2026, would force retailers to lock or tether knives in display areas accessible to the public.

The amnesty runs until end of September 2024 at any police station outside the CBD.

What this means for shoppers

From Bunnings to camping shops, everyday shopping trips would soon look different, with knives locked behind cabinets or tethered for safety.

Customers would still be able to inspect items with the help of staff, while online retailers must warn buyers it is unlawful to sell knives to anyone under 18.

Other states had knife restrictions, but South Australia’s system was unmatched in its scope.

The crackdown targeted not just possession but the entire supply chain, while machetes and swords were now classified as prohibited weapons.

Exemptions existed for legitimate uses like martial arts or historical collections, provided proper documentation was secured.

How it compares globally

The strategy also stood out internationally.

While knife crime in Australia had been stable or declining for years, countries like the UK and Canada were grappling with rising incidents.

London, for instance, recorded an 18 per cent surge in knife crime between 2022 and 2023.

For seniors, the changes brought peace of mind as fewer weapons would be accessible in shops or homes.

Those managing estates or decluttering were reminded that exemptions applied but required checking legislation or seeking legal advice.

Everyday cutlery and disposable plastic or wooden knives remained unaffected by the rules.

Operation Meld’s role

Since 1 January 2024, Operation Meld had seized 44 knives from known youth offenders and identified around 20 suspects.

This targeted policing, combined with sweeping legislative reform, was already paying dividends.

South Australia also had the lowest youth crime rate of any state in the country, reinforcing that proactive strategies worked.

The amnesty would run until the end of September, after which penalties would apply in full.

If you’re interested in seeing how strict penalties are being enforced under similar knife laws, there’s a real-world example that highlights the impact of these measures.

This next story shows how authorities are issuing substantial fines on a weekly basis, demonstrating the seriousness of compliance and the legal consequences of carrying knives without a lawful reason.

It’s a practical follow-up that helps put the recent reforms into context and shows the tangible outcomes of stricter legislation.

Read more: Fines of up to $80,000 are being issued weekly under the new law

Would you welcome similar laws in your own community, or do you believe South Australia has gone too far?