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Retailers will be required to lock up sharp weapons such as axes, tomahawks and machetes, and to check identification of those buying them.
The penalty for having a knife in public will also be increased from 12 to 18 months, Premier Steven Miles announced today.
“Ultimately our number one priority is to make sure we keep our community safe,” he said.
The opposition mocked the increase as ineffective, saying youth offenders were rarely given the maximum sentence.
“Oh, I can see the young violent, serious repeat offenders across Queensland shivering in their boots,” Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie said.
Under the proposed changes it will be an offence to sell any of these to anyone under the age of 18 or those using fake identification.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll addressed cabinet today, also asking the government to expand Jack’s Law, which gives police wanding powers.
Jack’s Law was introduced after the stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.
Proposed changes to the law would allow police to search for knives at additional locations like shopping centres.
Carroll also requested amendments to legislation to make it easier for youth criminals on bail to be fitted with GPS trackers.
Queensland parliament resumes tomorrow and the youth crime issue is expected to dominate discussions.
