Greens say tougher penalties won’t make anyone safer as experts point out knife-related crime is at a 20-year low
Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast
The New South Wales government’s plan to double the penalties for people holding or brandishing knives in public has been described as a “kneejerk” response to recent high-profile stabbings despite knife-related crimes being at a 20-year low in the state.
The changes introduced to parliament on Tuesday would see people caught with knives facing up to four years in jail or $4,400 in fines, with the penalty jumping to $11,000 if someone is caught wielding a knife in public or at a school.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup
About Author
More Stories
EU urged to put human rights centre stage at first central Asia summit
Environment watchdog says Sydney’s mystery beach balls likely came from sewage treatment plants
Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment verdict live: South Korea on edge as court to rule on president’s fate