The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) welcomes the proposed legislation announcement outlining knife offences, bail and telecommunication laws made by Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton during his budget reply address last night (Thursday, 16 May).
During his address, Mr Dutton said that a Coalition Government would work with the states and territories to develop uniform knife laws across all jurisdictions. The AFPA would support and fully endorse this proposal, which would allow the introduction of consistent and uniform knife laws across the country.
“In New South Wales, South Australia, and the ACT, a 16-year-old can purchase a knife, yet in Victoria and Queensland, the legal age is 18. Should we be at ease with the fact that 16-year-olds can walk into a retail store, purchase a 30cm knife and then walk out into the community?