New Weapons Laws

Release date: Thu 3 June 2010

Last updated: Mon 17 August 2015

The Victorian Government has introduced new laws to target knife crime.
From 1 September 2015

A person 18 years of age or over must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon such as a knife without lawful excuse. Additionally, sale of a controlled weapon to a child, or the purchase of a controlled item by a child is an offence.

A disposable knife made of plastic, bamboo or wood and designed for, and utilised exclusively for eating purposes is not included in the definition of a controlled weapon. Therefore, these items are not restricted and can be used, purchased, or sold to individuals under 18 years of age.
From 22 August 2010

You can be searched for knives in a public place anywhere, anytime, with and without notice.

If you are 16 and over and get caught carrying a controlled weapon such as a knife, you face an on the spot fine of $1,000, or you may have to go to court and face a fine of over $14,000 or one year imprisonment.

This penalty is doubled if you are inside or within 20 metres of a pub, club or bar.
From 1 January 2011

If you are under 18 you will no longer able to buy any type of knife, including kitchen knives or knives for school or work. To do so is against the law and you will face a $239 on the spot fine, or you could face court and a fine of over $1,400.

Anyone who knowingly sells a knife or other controlled weapon to a minor faces a fine of over $2,300.

They are not "illegal".

You just need a reason for having one.

Kytro wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2015 at 2:54pm:



Then it's ambiguous -

what's a lawful excuse?

" I always have one on my key ring "

Section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 makes it clear that it is a defence to show on the balance of probabilities that you possess a weapon with a lawful excuse. Section 6 of the Control of Weapons Act indicates that the definition of “lawful excuse” includes:

the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity;
participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment; or
the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons.

It does not include self-defence.

Kytro wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2015 at 3:06pm:



So you buy a kitchen knife in the supermarket -

how do you get it home without fear of jail?

We've had this idiocy in NSW for years.

My brother worked as a builder's labourer til he retired, and always carried a Stanley knife and a Leatherman tool on hid belt - no problem.

A mate who at the time was an out of work builder's labourer, got busted and charged, and forfeited his $100+ Leatherman tool.

I regularly carry a (VERY small) Swiss army knife in my bike toolbox - no problems.