Following the law is something most Australians take seriously, especially as we get older and want to protect ourselves and our families. Staying informed about the laws that affect everyday life is more important than ever, as penalties for breaking them can be severe and unexpected.
One example is the new law introduced this year that makes carrying a knife in public illegal, even if you believe it’s for your safety. Many Australians are caught up in this rule every week, and the penalties are only getting tougher.
But it’s not just a youth issue—many adults are unaware of how strict the laws have become.
‘Most people carrying knives either wrongly believe they’re allowed to for self-defence, or they know they can’t but do it anyway because they feel the risk of not carrying one is greater than the risk of being caught,’ Singh explained.
Avinash Singh, principal lawyer at Astor Legal, said he’s seeing a surge in knife-carrying cases, especially among young people and those involved in the drug trade.
‘But self-defence is not a reasonable excuse under the law.’
Recent incidents have put the issue in the spotlight. In New South Wales (NSW), a 15-year-old was arrested after allegedly chasing people with a machete near a shopping centre.
In Queensland, police shot a teenage girl who allegedly threatened people with a knife outside a pub. These are extreme examples, but the reality is that even carrying a small pocketknife in your bag or glovebox could see you facing serious consequences.
Every state and territory in Australia has laws prohibiting carrying knives in public without a lawful reason. And in 2025, those laws have become even stricter, with penalties that can be truly eye-watering:
- New South Wales: Up to four years in prison and a $4,400 fine for carrying a knife without a lawful excuse.
- Victoria: From September, penalties jump to two years’ jail and fines up to $30,700.
- Queensland: One year in prison and a $6,452 fine. It’s also illegal to sell knives to anyone under 18 from September 2024.
- Western Australia: Up to three years’ jail and fines as high as $36,000.
- South Australia: Six months’ jail and a $2,500 fine.
- Tasmania: Penalties are increasing to three years’ jail and $20,100 in fines.
- Northern Territory: One year in prison or a $37,000 fine.
- Australian Capital Territory: The toughest of all—five years’ jail and a whopping $80,000 fine.
And it’s not just about the penalties. Police in most states now have the power to search you without a warrant if they reasonably suspect you’re carrying a knife.
Metal detectors are standard at train stations, shopping centres, and public events.
What counts as a ‘lawful reason’?
You might think, ‘But I need my pocketknife for work!’ or ‘I was just going camping!’ The law does allow for some reasonable excuses, but they’re very specific. Acceptable reasons include:
- Work or training (e.g., tradies, chefs)
- Food preparation (camping, hunting)
- Religious purposes
- Lawful sport or recreational activity (like fishing)
- Lawful exhibitions or collections
- Wearing an official uniform that requires a knife
But here’s the kicker: feeling unsafe or wanting to protect yourself is NOT a lawful excuse. Even if you’ve been threatened or assaulted in the past, the law doesn’t allow you to carry a knife for self-defence.
The crackdown comes in response to a rise in knife-related incidents, particularly among young people.
Singh said many of the minors he’s represented come from lower socio-economic backgrounds and have been victims of violence themselves.
‘They feel that reporting the matter to police after the fact will do them little good, particularly if they are seriously injured or even killed. As such, they often feel that they have to carry a knife to protect themselves,’ he said.
But the legal system is clear: even if justified, fear of harm is not a defence for possession.
Singh suggested: ‘Enhanced education, particularly for young people, would be a positive step. Schools should consider adding a course so that young people are aware of the consequences of carrying knives and that self-defence is not a legal defence.’
Have you or someone you know ever been caught out by these laws? Do you think the penalties are too harsh or necessary to keep our communities safe? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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‘They feel that reporting the matter to police after the fact will do them little good, particularly if they are seriously injured or even killed. As such, they often feel that they have to carry a knife to protect themselves,’ he said.
Young people might feel that they are unsafe and need to carry a knife … particularly after they have bee killed?
Yet again we see “Schools should consider adding a course….” What should they drop to squeeze that in? Maths? English?
Lawful Excuses…. Religious reasons???? Hello??? WHAT Religious purposes would there be for carrying a knife?? Sorry, but I can’t think one ONE!!!
Looked that up…..
The kirpan as carried by Sikhs began as a way to protect practitioners from oppression, and is a part of religions dogma. If an imam issued a fatwa, or a rabbi issued a heter that followers could carry a blade for the same reason that would have just as much weight as the Sikh commandment.
Agree – religion is a stupid reason to justify carrying a knife.
Does the Law include carrying a Leatherman Multi-Tool ??
If so, then I am in breach everyday !!
So much efforts and resources to apprehend honest citizens that carry a knife for self defence while the criminals and thugs have a field day.
We’re walking on our heads!
What about carrying a sharp knife in a scabbard (Wiltshire), or knives when you’re going on a picnic and are planning on having a ‘sit down’ meal and want to use proper cutlery, and a sharp knife for the final prep?
How can you cut anything with blunt blades and still make the food ‘presentable’. I certainly wouldn’t want to be subject to a penalty, or even gaol just for wanting a nicely prepared and presented meal outdoors.