- Nation's toughest knife laws reach one-year milestone with 228 edged weapons removed from WA streets
- More than 100,000 edged weapon scans conducted across the metropolitan and regional areas
- This legislation allowed Western Australian Police unprecedented abilities to scan people for the possession of edged weapons
- Legislation inspired by Queensland's Jack's Law to keep the WA community safe
The Cook Government's new knife laws have resulted in a successful first year, with the Western Australian Police Force removing more than 200 edged weapons off the streets.
The nation's toughest and strictest knife crime laws came into effect 12 months ago boosting community safety by providing Western Australian Police with additional powers to scan anyone for concealed weapons without a warrant.
Stricter controls were placed on the carrying, possession, sale, and supply of edged weapons in entertainment precincts and supporting targeted police operations across the State.
Since 20 December 2024, the impact has been substantial, with more than 102,000 individual edged weapons scans conducted State-wide.
These scans have resulted in 228 edged weapons removed from the community, with more than 1,900 charges laid against 1,076 individuals.
The knife-wanding powers allow police to search for edged weapons anytime in five main protected entertainment precincts: Fremantle, Hillarys, Mandurah, Perth-Northbridge, and Scarborough.
Anyone caught with an edged weapon could face up to three years jail and a $36,000 fine.
The 'lawful excuse' safeguard will protect anyone who has a legitimate reason for carrying a knife from prosecution. Possession for self-defence is not considered a lawful excuse.
It is an offence to refuse to undergo a scan or produce an object when requested by police.
Failure to comply could result in up to a year behind bars and/or fine of up to $12,000.
The legislation was inspired by 'Jack's Law' in Queensland that aims to save lives and families from the devastating consequences of knife crime.
These tough knife laws add to the Cook Government's overall crackdown on crime including the toughest firearm laws in the country and outlaw motorcycle gang laws to enhance community safety.
As stated by Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"These laws are doing exactly what they were designed to do - get weapons off our streets and protect the community.
"If you think you can bring a knife into public spaces, think again. Our police will find it and you will face the consequences.
"Fewer knives in our community means a safer environment for everyone and our officers are using these powers exactly as intended."
As stated by Police Commissioner Col Blanch:
"We want our entertainment precincts to be safe for everyone to enjoy.
"We've seen the devastating effects of knife crime on families, and this sends a strong message: if you carry a knife into our protected entertainment precincts, you will be hit with the full force of the law.
"Our community is already safer as a result of these seizures, and we expect this sends a strong message to anyone irresponsible enough to carry a weapon. We will continue to use the legislative powers available to us to reduce the risk of knife-related crime in our community."
