The National Retail Association has joined with the Queensland Police Minister to launch a new knife crime prevention campaign ‘End Knife Violence’ aligned to new laws restricting the sale of knives and other items.

The new laws will come into effect 1 September this year, with retailers being encouraged to start making changes immediately.

The laws prohibit the sale of knives and controlled items to minors under 18 years, and will take effect from 1 September this year.

The National Retail Association has partnered with the Queensland Police Service to deliver a range of support services aimed at helping businesses to understand the new laws and transition smoothly.

National Retail Association Director of Policy David Stout said retailers were overwhelmingly supportive of the new laws but would need time and support to implement the changes.

 “We will be working closely a range of stakeholders, from national retailers and suppliers to brick and mortar, store businesses, and e-commerce retailers,” Mr Stout said.

“Over the coming months, the National Retail Association’s Policy team will be delivering a range of support services for businesses, including a toll-free hotline, handbook to compliance, fact sheets and signage, online webinars, and physical visits to thousands of stores in more than 500 retail centres and precincts across Queensland.

“We will also be holding free online information sessions for businesses every Thursday at 11am, starting tomorrow.

“We look forward to ongoing engagement with the Queensland Police Service, as we work together to combat juvenile knife crime and offending. Safe retail precincts are a key priority and, together, we can improve community safety.”

Under the new laws, retailers will be required to perform age checks, provide instructions to their staff, display in-store signage, and restrict advertising.

In addition, particular controlled items such as axes, machetes, and swords, cannot be sold to minors but must also be securely stored prior to sale, such as in locked cabinets or tethered so they cannot be removed without staff assistance. Restricted items, such as certain gel blasters which could be mistaken for real firearms, must also be securely stored and not sold to minors.

Some knives, such as those made from plastic or with a rounded end, are exempt.

The new laws are part of a suite of initiatives, such as expanded wanding powers, being launched by the Queensland Government in order to combat knife crime and youth offending, work with industry on solutions, and protect the community.

Business support available

To assist businesses, the National Retail Association Policy team has officially partnered with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to develop resources and launch a statewide engagement program. These services will be provided at no charge to businesses, regardless of membership.

We will be holding free online information sessions for businesses every Thursday at 11am for the next few months, starting tomorrow.

Businesses can find out more about the new laws and the changes they need to implement by September by contacting the National Retail team:

We encourage all businesses to act immediately to start making the necessary changes.