Knife and Sword Laws in Australia
The below is VERY general advice and is not intended to be legal advice. You should always ensure that you are permitted to own or carry any knife or sword that you purchase.
KNIVES
Knife laws in Australia are among some of the strictest in the world.
The legal definition of a knife in Australia is any instrument with a cutting edge or blade, and designed to be used as a weapon. It is illegal to carry any type of knife in a public place in Australia, except for utility knives, such as a Swiss Army knife or a pocket knife with a blade no longer than 10 cm.
Possessing, using, or carrying an illegal knife in a public place can result in a fine or even a jail sentence.In Australia, all knives are divided into two categories: prohibited and restricted. Prohibited knives are those that cannot be bought, sold, used, or possessed unless the user has a valid reason for doing so. These include flick knives, butterfly knives, swords, machetes, spears, and any knife with a double-edged blade. These knives are illegal to possess in any public place and can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Restricted knives are those that are allowed to be bought, sold, and used, but must not be carried in public. Examples of restricted knives include hunting knives, chef’s knives, and kitchen knives. These knives must be kept at home and may not be taken out in public.
In addition to the general laws regarding knives, each state and territory has its own laws that govern the possession of knives. For example, in New South Wales, certain knives are classified as ‘controlled weapons’, which means that they can only be kept at home and must not be carried in public. In Victoria, the law prohibits knives from being carried in public, except for utility knives with a blade no longer than 10 cm.
Australian knife laws also cover the the age at which you can buy or own a knife. In some jurisdictions it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy, possess, use, or carry a knife. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to give a knife as a gift to a person under the age of 18. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions it is illegal to sell a knife to a person under the age of 18 without the express consent of a parent or guardian.
In addition, it is illegal to import, manufacture, sell, or possess a knife made from prohibited material without appropriate permits. This includes knives made from ceramic, plastic, or any material that can be used as a weapon. It is also illegal to possess a knife that has been modified to make it suitable for use as a weapon, such as a knife with a longer blade or one that has been sharpened to a point.
Knife laws in Australia are designed to protect the public from harm and ensure that knives are used safely and responsibly. Anyone found in possession of an illegal knife, or in breach of any of the laws governing the sale and distribution of knives, can face serious penalties. It is important to always be aware of the relevant laws in your state or territory before buying, selling, carrying, or using a knife.
SWORDS
Sword laws in Australia vary from state to state, with different requirements and regulations in place depending on the jurisdiction. Generally, the legality of owning and carrying a sword in Australia is dependent on the type of sword and its intended purpose.
In Australia, a sword is generally defined as any bladed weapon with a cutting edge. This includes knives, machetes, bayonets, daggers, and swords. All states and territories have laws that regulate the possession and use of swords, and the penalties for not complying with these laws can be severe.
In New South Wales, for example, it is illegal to possess a sword in a public place without a reasonable excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is $5,500 or imprisonment for two years. In addition, it is an offence to carry a sword in a public place with intent to harm another person, or with intent to commit an offence. The maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment for 14 years.
In the Northern Territory, it is illegal to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is three months imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000.
In Victoria, it is an offence to carry a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is six months imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000. It is also an offence to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is three months imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000.
In the Australian Capital Territory, possession of a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,500.
In Queensland, it is an offence to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,500.
In South Australia, it is an offence to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,000.
In Tasmania, it is an offence to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
In Western Australia, it is an offence to possess a sword or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,000.
In summary, swords are regulated by law in Australia and it is important to be aware of the laws in each jurisdiction before possessing or carrying a sword. It is important to be aware of the potential penalties for breaking these laws and to ensure that any possession or use of a sword is done safely and responsibly.
This is VERY general advice and is not intended to be legal advice. You should always ensure that you are permitted to own or carry any knife or sword that you purchase.
