Ban on Sale of Knives and Fake Guns to Minors Proposed in Queensland

Selling knives and replica firearms to juveniles will be prohibited in Queensland, as part of a range of measures to address youth crime.

Police Minister Mark Ryan states that it will be an offense to sell knives, certain bladed items, and replica firearms, including gel blasters, to individuals under the age of 18.

The banned items include daggers, double-ended blades, machetes, sickles or scythes, spear-guns, spears, axes, tomahawks, and swords.

It will also be an offense to attempt to use a fake ID to purchase the contraband.

“These laws will help prevent dangerous items from falling into the hands of young criminals before violent offenses can occur”, Mr. Ryan said on Sunday.

This will be accompanied by the expansion of Jack’s Law, which is saving lives and reducing violence throughout Queensland every day.

The Labor government has expanded legislation that allows police to use personal metal detectors or “wands” to search individuals in “Safe Night Precincts” as well as on public transportation.

Since March, officers have utilized hand-held scanners in areas with high crime rates following the extension of Jack’s Law, which was established after the stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast in 2019.

According to police, 904 people have been charged with nearly 1,600 offenses between April and November, primarily related to drugs and weapons.

Jack’s father, Brett Beasley, who established the Jack Beasley Foundation after his son’s death, expressed his approval of the changes to the law.

“Belinda and I will always mourn for Jack, but it is very encouraging to see that his legacy lives on,” he said.

“Six months after Jack’s Law came into effect, it’s really encouraging to see that police are using Jack’s legacy to conduct wanding operations throughout the state.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Hart, a member of the Youth Crime Taskforce, stated that the change in the law would help police in preventing knife crimes.

“It will allow officers to take action against those who unlawfully sell weapons to young people, who may intend to use them in committing violent offenses,” he stated.

The head of the Australian Retailers Association, Paul Zahra, mentioned that the industry would collaborate with the police to ensure that individuals are aware of the change in the law.

“We are willing to work with the government to align the laws with those of other states, making it easier for retailers to implement and ultimately protect retail staff and businesses.”

Retailers will be required to display signs regarding the prohibition on sales to juveniles and cannot advertise certain weapons as “suitable for combat.”