Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill makes it illegal to sell knives, swords, machetes, axes, Gel Blasters and other dangerous items to anyone under 18 in Queensland. It also bans the sale of weapons marketed to glorify violence — such as 'zombie knives' with violent imagery — and requires retailers to display warning signs and securely store particularly dangerous items. The bill responds to an 18% rise in knife-related offences since 2019 and a 22% rise among under-18s.
Who it affects
Young people under 18 can no longer buy these items and will need an adult to make purchases for legitimate uses. Retailers face new obligations around signage, staff training and secure storage, with fines of up to approximately $65,000 for repeat offences.
Key changes
- Illegal to sell knives, swords, machetes, axes, spears, spear guns and Gel Blasters to anyone under 18, with escalating fines up to approximately $65,000 for repeat offenders
- Retailers must display signs warning that selling controlled items to minors is prohibited and train staff with written acknowledgement
- Particularly dangerous items like swords, daggers and machetes must be locked away or securely tethered in stores
- Banned the sale of 'zombie knives' and other items with violent imagery, combat-related marketing, or words like 'killer' or 'slayer'
- Police can request proof of age and seize items from suspected underage buyers
- Sales restrictions apply to online purchases and sales from outside Queensland to buyers within Queensland
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee29 Nov 2023View Hansard
Referred to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
▸Second Reading13 Feb 2024 – 14 Feb 2024View Hansard
Vote on a motion
Procedural vote on the government's business program motion allocating debate time, not a vote on the knife crime bill itself; passed 54-34 with ALP, Greens, KAP, PHON and Independent in favour, LNP opposed
The motion was agreed to.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
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Ayes (54)
Noes (34)
▸1 procedural vote
Vote to grant leave
Two votes on whether to grant Mr Purdie (LNP) leave to move opposition amendments outside the long title of the bill during Consideration in Detail. The LNP sought to introduce amendments related to youth justice, supported by KAP, PHON and the Independent member, but defeated 38-50 by the ALP and Greens.
Permission was refused.
A vote on whether to grant permission — for example, to introduce an amendment or vary normal procedure.
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Ayes (38)
Noes (50)
▸17 members spoke13 support4 mixed
Welcomed the intent of the bill but argued it was too little too late, calling it a missed opportunity to address the broader youth crime crisis. Called for the government to support the LNP's amendment to remove detention as a last resort from the Youth Justice Act.
“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
As shadow police minister, stated the LNP will support any measure to restrict young people's access to dangerous weapons, while criticising the government for missing the opportunity to address root causes of youth crime.
“At the outset, let me be very clear that the LNP will support any measure to restrict young people's access to dangerous weapons, including knives.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Supported the aims of reducing knife crime but called for emergency funding for police and prevention programs, arguing that warm words are no longer enough and that violent crime in Queensland transcends party lines.
“Violent crime in Queensland is an issue that transcends party lines. It is time for leadership, clear action and a united vision, and it is time for emergency funding for the police and prevention programs to keep the public of Queensland safe.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
As committee chair, noted all submitters supported the bill with no dissension or statement of reservation.
“During the examination of the bill it became very clear from all submitters that everyone supports the bill.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Supported the bill's clear message that Queensland will not tolerate a knife culture, acknowledging all victims of violent crimes and highlighting the effectiveness of Jack's Law and the government's broader community safety measures.
“This bill is sending a clear message: Queensland will not tolerate a knife culture.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
Supported the bill's measures to restrict knife access and secure items at retail locations.
“I rise to make my contribution to the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Supported the bill's provisions to prohibit sale of knives to minors and restrict violent marketing, but argued the Labor government had failed in its fundamental duty to ensure community safety and that there was still much more work needed.
“One of the most fundamental duties of any elected government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. It is a responsibility that is absolute and it is a responsibility that is non-negotiable.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while arguing the government is missing opportunities to address broader youth crime issues, praised the Jack Beasley Foundation's work on knife crime awareness.
“As the shadow minister mentioned, we certainly support the bill although, as has been said, this government is missing a great opportunity.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Gave unconditional support to the bill, acknowledging the Beasley family's advocacy following their son Jack's death and the tragic stabbing of Vyleen White, praising the bill's measures to minimise knife-related violence.
“The changes in the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 have my unconditional support.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while criticising the government for not addressing root causes, noting the LNP has supported sensible changes since early 2020.
“We have supported sensible changes since early 2020 and the term of this government under the current Premier.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Stated the LNP supports enhancing community safety but described the bill as a missed opportunity, calling for the government to address broader youth offending issues during consideration in detail.
“The LNP supports enhancing community safety; however, this bill is a missed opportunity from this tired, third-term Labor government.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
Supported the bill while pushing for the LNP's amendments, stating any step to prevent youths from picking up a knife is one the LNP will not oppose.
“Any step to prevent youths from picking up a knife is a step we will not oppose, but I want it on the record that this change is not going to the root cause of knife crime.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
As Minister for Police, spoke in reply defending the government's record on community safety, citing record police budgets and the biggest investment in policing personnel in more than 30 years, and commending the bill for supporting community safety for all Queenslanders.
“It is legislation for the people and it is legislation that supports community safety for all Queenslanders.”— 2024-02-14View Hansard
Supported the bill and the LNP's proposed amendments, emphasising the need for tougher action on youth crime.
“I rise to speak to the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 and to speak in support of the amendments tabled by the member for Currumbin.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Stated the opposition does not oppose the bill, welcoming long overdue measures to address escalating knife crime particularly on the Gold Coast.
“As we have heard from the outset, the opposition does not oppose this bill and we welcome long overdue measures towards addressing the escalating problem of knife crime.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Reluctantly supported the bill, believing it will make little difference to youth crime but acknowledging the intent to deter weapon possession.
“I will reluctantly be supporting this bill even though I believe it will make little to no difference to youth crime.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
Stated the LNP does not oppose the bill, though described it as just the latest string of amendments rather than addressing root causes of youth crime.
“For this reason, the LNP does not oppose this bill. I will vote to support it, but this is just the latest string of amendments and tweaks.”— 2024-02-13View Hansard
▸In Detail14 Feb 2024View Hansard
Government amendment to clause 2 adjusting commencement provisions so that key parts of the act commence by proclamation rather than on assent, allowing retailers time to prepare while enabling early adoption of age-based sale restrictions under the Anti-Discrimination Act.
Government amendment inserting transitional provisions (new Part 7) to exempt retailers from Anti-Discrimination Act age discrimination provisions when refusing to sell controlled items to minors, and to define controlled items including knives, swords, machetes, axes, gel blasters and replica firearms.
Opposition amendment (first attempt) seeking leave to move an amendment outside the long title of the bill. The specific amendment content was not debated as leave was denied.
Opposition amendment (second attempt) seeking leave to move an amendment outside the long title of the bill. The specific amendment content was not debated as leave was again denied.