Queensland Government Expedites Implementation of Knife Ban for Minors
The police commissioner disclosed that the ‘nature of offending has truly changed post-COVID.’
The Queensland state government will prohibit the sale of knives to minors and increase the penalty for carrying a knife unlawfully in public.
The changes come amid pressure from the Opposition, the public, and police to address the youth crime issue following recent incidents.
A grandmother was allegedly stabbed to death right in front of her granddaughter at a shopping center carpark on Feb. 3.
Premier Stephen Miles believes no one should carry a knife in the community and has raised the penalty for publicly carrying a knife to 18 months, up from 12 months. “Every Queenslander deserves to feel safe in their home, at the shops, and on the streets. I certainly want my family to feel safe when they go to the supermarket.
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“There is no reason why anyone should have a knife in public. A weapon that can be used for violence in public is not acceptable.”
In further commentary on social media, Mr. Miles revealed police have asked for increased powers and the government intends to support them.
“This is what police have asked for and we’ve got their backs. We are giving them and the courts all the resources they need to throw the book at serious youth offenders,” he said.
In response to the action from Mr. Miles, Queensland deputy opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie posted links to articles on X, expressing concern the action from the government had taken too long.
It comes after Ipswich grandma Vyleen White, 70, was allegedly stabbed at the Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre in front of her granddaughter.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with murder following the incident. Her daughter Cindy Micallef said the promises from politicians were “too little, too late,” during an interview with Sunrise on Feb. 13.
“They better move quickly and get it done, that’s all I’m saying. I never want this to happen to anyone else again.”
Offending Has Changed Post-COVID: Police Commissioner
Queensland police commissioner Katarina Carroll held a discussion with cabinet on Feb. 12, in a bid to help address the issue.
During a press conference, she said, “The nature of offending has truly changed post-COVID” and noted the violence has increased.
Ms. Carroll explained while they have had “extraordinary success” diverting children away from the system, there was a “small cohort of children” who were committing “most of the offenses.”
