Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Welcomed the intent of the bill to stop knife sales to minors but criticised it as too little too late, arguing it does not address the real youth crime crisis and places excessive burden on small businesses without providing adequate support or grace periods.

“While the intent of this bill is welcomed, unfortunately it is too little too late from this government. Knife crime is already out of control.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

Acknowledged the bill's aims but argued it would be ineffective, comparing it to the failed ban on vape sales to minors. Called for more practical solutions including emergency police funding and addressing root causes of youth crime.

“Is this like how we stopped the sale of vapes to minors? Speak to any parent of a teenager in this state or any teacher at a high school and ask them if stopping sales has made a single bit of difference to vaping.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as sending a clear message that Queensland will not tolerate a knife culture, emphasising the need to protect youth with immature brains from impulsive decisions and the importance of Jack's Law wanding powers.

“This bill is sending a clear message: Queensland will not tolerate a knife culture. There are such cultures that have developed around the world, and that is not our standard.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

Acknowledged the legislation as a welcomed addition but criticised the Labor government for failing in its fundamental duty to ensure safety since weakening youth justice laws in 2015. Raised concerns about enforceability of online sales provisions and supported LNP amendments.

“There is no question that every available legislative instrument and resource that can be provided must be provided to our dedicated frontline Queensland Police Service officers in order to combat Queensland's youth crime crisis.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill drawing on his 18 years experience at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, emphasising that edged weapons are the biggest fear when working with offenders and that the legislation will help minimise risks to police and security officers.

“This legislation controlling the sale of knives will help minimise the risk to police and security officers when confronted with aggressive individuals on the streets, in shopping centres and in other areas where large numbers of youth and others congregate.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

Supported enhancing community safety but criticised the bill as a missed opportunity, raising concerns about enforceability of cross-border online sales and the burden on mixed businesses like op shops and jewellers. Supported LNP amendments to remove detention as a last resort.

“The LNP supports enhancing community safety; however, this bill is a missed opportunity from this tired, third-term Labor government.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard

As the Minister for Police and Community Safety, strongly supported the bill as important legislation to address knife crime comprehensively, citing successful wanding operations under Jack's Law and thanking community advocates including Brett and Belinda Beasley.

“It is common sense that making it harder or more difficult for young people to access knives is a big step in the right direction to reducing knife crime.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard