NSW doubles penalties for knife possession but critics decry ‘kneejerk’ reaction

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

Continue reading…

About Author