The Malinauskas Labor Government has announced that this week, it will introduce new laws to prevent knife crime and violence in retail.
This will see South Australia have the toughest knife laws in the country and will help make retail workplaces safer. Multiple layers of protection are necessary to prevent knife violence and keep workers safe.
The reforms include:
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Police will have greater power to conduct wanding searches at shopping centres, licensed premises and other public places.
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Retailers selling certain types of knives will need to keep them securely locked up or tethered.
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The sale of knives to under 18s will be banned, without exception
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Retailers will be required to display signage stating that knives cannot be sold to minors
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The introduction of proper storage laws for knives in retail is something the SDA has been calling for.
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Knives that can easily be turned into weapons should not just be able to be taken off the shelf.
The SDA will be seeking to ensure the storage rules apply to any knives that can be used as weapons.
The attack on a Coles worker in Brisbane last month shows just how critical these reforms are.
All workers, no matter where they live or work, must be provided with a safe workplace that is free of the threat of violence.
These laws will be introduced to Parliament this week.
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