Latest news with #Australia-wide
7NEWS
4 days ago
- 7NEWS
Lancelin locals trigger alarm on coastal erosion as coastline washes away and wild weather predicted
A popular Aussie fishing and tourist town has pleaded for help as an aggressive ocean washes away their tiny coastal home before their eyes. The erosion crisis in Lancelin, 125km north of Perth, has worsened since 7NEWS visited just over two months ago and cast a major cloud over the future of the getaway known for its white sand and relaxed seaside lifestyle. Locals say more than 10m of land has vanished since May and they seriously fear for their homes and businesses. Anxiously watching the shoreline inch towards his pub, Lancelin Sands Hotel owner of three years Glen Trebilcock has pleaded for emergency funding and specialist technical assistance from the state government in a petition supported by 800 signatures. 'Without immediate intervention, the safety of the foreshore and the integrity of essential coastal infrastructure remain at serious risk,' he said. 'We strongly believe that a retreat is not a viable solution.' The local shire has also written to WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti for help but says they are yet to hear back. 'We're not asking for millions of dollars at the moment, we're just asking for a little bit of financial assistance,' Gingin Shire President Linda Balcombe told 7NEWS. 'We're a very small shire with only about 6000 ratepayers and we've got a big coastline that we have to protect. 'If we're protecting private businesses and private houses we also need to come up with a model that everybody's putting something into this — shire, landowners and the state, and even federal government. It's an Australia-wide problem.' Balcombe said more than 25 metres of coastline had been eaten up in some of the worst-hit places in the last year. 'Of course (the locals) are nervous. They live here, there's a lot of value in their properties (and) angst if they're going to get inundated,' Balcombe told 7NEWS. 'I don't blame them.' Thousands of tourists are drawn to Lancelin's white sand and picturesque water every year, but Trebilcock said the erosion issue that threatens to swallow up their slice of paradise is having an impact on visitor numbers. 'Six tour companies that used to come through every day, they've all disappeared. They bypass and they just go directly up to Jurien (Bay),' he told 7NEWS. A lookout that has sat by his hotel for decades and is a sought-after stop with international selfie-hunters will be torn down next week due to safety concerns. Former WA opposition leader Shane Love said he had raised a grievance in parliament and followed up again in budget estimates. 'I've said this a number of times in parliament already, the state government need emergency funds and the ability to respond urgently,' he said. The WA Government told 7NEWS it is 'aware of the issues and is actively looking at options to assist'. A weekend cold front set to smash the coast and threatens to eat further into the remaining waterfront. 'The seas will really pick up. We're expecting quite high swells ... well up over five metres behind the system as well,' Bureau of Meteorology WA manager James Ashley said. Some experts fear there is little that can be done at this point. 'In the case of Lancelin, it's built in the wrong place. It's built in an eroding coastline,' UWA coastal oceanography professor Charitha Pattiaratchi told 7NEWS in May. 'It's probably controversial — [but the best thing to do would be] retreat, do nothing.'
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Works begin to turn Perth caravan park into luxury resort
Construction is under way on a new luxury coastal retreat in Perth's northern suburbs after the City of Wanneroo officially handed over the Quinns Rocks foreshore site to developers. Formerly the site of the Quinns Rocks caravan park, the prime coastal land is now being transformed into the Dunes Beach Resort by Eco Tourism Pty Ltd to become a comprehensive 'all-in-one' wedding and event location. The resort will provide accommodation for up to 86 guests across 38 glamping tents with ensuite bathrooms, alongside a restaurant and cafe capable of hosting functions and events for up to 240 people. Located just metres from the coast, the retreat promises to offer 'breathtaking ocean views' for guests. Since the caravan park was demolished in 2014, the site has sat vacant and often been used as an overflow carpark. The resort will also have a function room capable of hosting up to 240 guests. Credit: Supplied Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken said the project would boost tourism and looked forward to visiting the resort in the not-too-distant future. 'The development of the Dunes Beach Resort will generate employment opportunities for our residents, boost the local economy and assist with the development of our city as a sustainable tourism destination,' she said. 'It will also provide residents with access to a significant area of lawn space, a sit-down cafe and kiosk area, public bike racks, improved beach access and picnic tables. 'This site is incredibly important to our residents and I can't wait to see this project progress as the site is developed into a space that will benefit both the Quinns community and the wider city.' The resort's cafe, restaurant, bar areas, lawn areas, function and meeting rooms are set to all be available to the local community. The resort will also include a reception building and a carpark with 80 parking bays. Site investigations to determine the future use of the park began in 2012, but it wasn't until 2020 that a business case identified an eco retreat as a viable option for the site. After community consultation, in August 2023 the Wanneroo council voted to proceed with negotiations for the development of an ecotourism facility, cafe and event space at the location. The resort will provide accommodation for up to 86 guests across 38 glamping tents. Credit: Supplied Eco Tourism Pty Ltd director Russell Percival said the project would benefit both the local community and visitors and was looking forward to it opening. 'After three-and-a-half years, it is great to see our vision and dream start to evolve and we look forward to providing an amazing resort and facilities for everyone to enjoy,' he said. 'We thank the City of Wanneroo for their help and assistance along the way, and we are very excited that the first version of our Australia-wide concept is starting in Perth.' The resort is expected to open by mid-April next year. Bookings for weddings and other events are already being accepted. The resort is already taking bookings for weddings. Credit: Supplied
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- The Advertiser
'No excuse' after man exposes himself, hurls phone at Border Force
Drunk Aussies warned after boozy travellers wreak havoc at airport. Australian Border Force. By Sarah Falson Updated July 16 2025 - 12:56pm, first published 12:28pm So you've had a few drinks on the plane coming home from Bali, but that doesn't mean you should make a wally out of yourself and chuck a wobbly at customs. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area This is the (highly paraphrased) message from the Australian Border Force (ABF) after a string of "unacceptable incidents" at Perth International Airport recently. According to the force, in one incident, a passenger returned on a flight from Kuala Lumpur and appeared to be "heavily intoxicated". It is alleged the man became disruptive and "swore repeatedly" during a baggage search carried out by ABF officers. He then "exposed himself by pulling his pants down on numerous occasions before throwing his mobile phone which hit an officer". Australian Federal Police (AFP) reportedly removed the man from the airport and after an investigation charged the man with common assault, disorderly behaviour in public and two counts of indecent acts in public. The man pleaded guilty in the South Hedland Magistrates Court on May 13, 2025, to the four offences and was fined $1500 and ordered to pay court costs. "There is no excuse for abuse or violence towards Australian Border Force (ABF) officers," ABF has said. In another incident on April 15, 2025, a WA traveller returning from Thailand allegedly became aggressive after being selected for a routine baggage search. When ABF advised they would be seizing a carton of cigarettes the man failed to declare, he allegedly punched a wall, causing a hole. Australian Border Force smart gates. AFP was called and interviewed the man before escorting him from the terminal. He was summonsed to appear in Perth Magistrates Court in August to face a charge of criminal damage, contrary to section 444(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (WA). ABF Assistant Commissioner Chris Waters said this was the third reported incident in a few months, highlighting a disturbing and growing trend of abuse toward ABF officers. "Our officers are hardworking, dedicated men and women, and the ABF has zero tolerance towards members of the public who abuse or assault officers while they are carrying out their lawful duties," Assistant Commissioner Waters said. "Like any of us when we go to work, at the very minimum, our officers deserve to be treated with respect and common courtesy. "Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated. "There is no excuse. No matter how drunk or tired you are after your flight, we will act swiftly with our law enforcement partners if you behave this way." ABF confirmed the issue of unruly behaviour at customs is not exclusive to Perth airport but is Australia-wide, and they believe the issue is under-reported. The ABF processes around 750,000 passengers entering and leaving Australia's borders through airports every week. Provisional data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 43.3 million people arrived and left through Australian Border Force (air and sea) during the 2024-25 financial year. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Australia declared free from bird flu, but a more deadly strain lurks
In a major win for the nation's biosecurity efforts, Australia has been officially declared free from high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Australia's self-declared HPAI-free status following agreement by the National Management Group that the February 2025 H7N8 outbreak in Victoria has been eradicated. The publication is designed to provide global transparency of a nation's animal health status. There have been no new cases of bird flu detected in poultry since 24 February 2025; the government submitted the self-declaration to the WOAH last month. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been working closely with trading partners to triage a crippling crisis for the poultry industry that began after H7, a separate strain of the virus, tore through chicken flocks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT in July 2024. More than 1.8 million birds were culled nationwide during that outbreak, decimating the national layer hen flock and causing an Australia-wide retail shortage of eggs, in an effort to contain the spread of the virus while strict quarantine zones and trade restrictions were put in place. The government has also confirmed that Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain, a subtype of avian influenza that remains on its doorstep and has created havoc across entire continents. The highly contagious strain has infected more than 500 wild bird species and 90 mammalian species overseas and, while these were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers, "spillover" cases have been detected in dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. A sheep was also infected after being exposed to a highly contaminated environment in the UK. Asia has been significantly impacted by the H5N1 strain with cases being reported in several countries, including multiple human fatalities linked to the virus in Cambodia notwithstanding that human infections are rare. The government invested more than $100 million last year to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities as stakeholders prepare for a possible future outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Australia, including the potential impacts to animals, people and ecosystems. Stakeholders said a significant outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu, which jumped species to infect humans and more than 80 dairy farms across 11 states in the US, could lead to the "worst environmental disaster in Australia's history". While the eradication of the latest outbreak marks a significant turning point, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins cautioned against complacency and said the joint effort underlines Australia's successful response and management capabilities and ongoing work to combat invasive emergency pests and diseases. "Australia must remain vigilant, as a highly contagious and serious strain of H5 HPAI is spreading globally through movement of migratory wild birds - this strain is not present in Australia," she said. "The rapid spread abroad has killed not only birds but also mammals, and means we cannot afford to be complacent. "The agriculture, environment and health sectors are working in partnership to manage national biosecurity threats that impact Australians." The H7N8 outbreak in February was reported days after the government declared Australia bird flu-free following the 2024 outbreak. A national review of avian influenza preparedness is also currently underway, with recommendations expected by the end of the year. Proposals being considered are permanent upgrades to farm-level biosecurity and improved diagnostic capacity for regional areas. Avian influenza virus strains are either low or high pathogenicity, depending on the impact the disease has on poultry. In Australia, low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are naturally carried by wild birds, particularly ducks, often without signs of disease, and spread by contaminating the food or water supplies of domestic poultry and this can mutate into high pathogenicity strains on rare occasions. Scientists believe the 2025 outbreak was linked to one of these 'spillover' events. Australia's default policy for bird flu outbreaks is to contain and eradicate the disease in the shortest possible time, without vaccination. In a major win for the nation's biosecurity efforts, Australia has been officially declared free from high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Australia's self-declared HPAI-free status following agreement by the National Management Group that the February 2025 H7N8 outbreak in Victoria has been eradicated. The publication is designed to provide global transparency of a nation's animal health status. There have been no new cases of bird flu detected in poultry since 24 February 2025; the government submitted the self-declaration to the WOAH last month. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been working closely with trading partners to triage a crippling crisis for the poultry industry that began after H7, a separate strain of the virus, tore through chicken flocks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT in July 2024. More than 1.8 million birds were culled nationwide during that outbreak, decimating the national layer hen flock and causing an Australia-wide retail shortage of eggs, in an effort to contain the spread of the virus while strict quarantine zones and trade restrictions were put in place. The government has also confirmed that Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain, a subtype of avian influenza that remains on its doorstep and has created havoc across entire continents. The highly contagious strain has infected more than 500 wild bird species and 90 mammalian species overseas and, while these were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers, "spillover" cases have been detected in dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. A sheep was also infected after being exposed to a highly contaminated environment in the UK. Asia has been significantly impacted by the H5N1 strain with cases being reported in several countries, including multiple human fatalities linked to the virus in Cambodia notwithstanding that human infections are rare. The government invested more than $100 million last year to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities as stakeholders prepare for a possible future outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Australia, including the potential impacts to animals, people and ecosystems. Stakeholders said a significant outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu, which jumped species to infect humans and more than 80 dairy farms across 11 states in the US, could lead to the "worst environmental disaster in Australia's history". While the eradication of the latest outbreak marks a significant turning point, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins cautioned against complacency and said the joint effort underlines Australia's successful response and management capabilities and ongoing work to combat invasive emergency pests and diseases. "Australia must remain vigilant, as a highly contagious and serious strain of H5 HPAI is spreading globally through movement of migratory wild birds - this strain is not present in Australia," she said. "The rapid spread abroad has killed not only birds but also mammals, and means we cannot afford to be complacent. "The agriculture, environment and health sectors are working in partnership to manage national biosecurity threats that impact Australians." The H7N8 outbreak in February was reported days after the government declared Australia bird flu-free following the 2024 outbreak. A national review of avian influenza preparedness is also currently underway, with recommendations expected by the end of the year. Proposals being considered are permanent upgrades to farm-level biosecurity and improved diagnostic capacity for regional areas. Avian influenza virus strains are either low or high pathogenicity, depending on the impact the disease has on poultry. In Australia, low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are naturally carried by wild birds, particularly ducks, often without signs of disease, and spread by contaminating the food or water supplies of domestic poultry and this can mutate into high pathogenicity strains on rare occasions. Scientists believe the 2025 outbreak was linked to one of these 'spillover' events. Australia's default policy for bird flu outbreaks is to contain and eradicate the disease in the shortest possible time, without vaccination. In a major win for the nation's biosecurity efforts, Australia has been officially declared free from high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Australia's self-declared HPAI-free status following agreement by the National Management Group that the February 2025 H7N8 outbreak in Victoria has been eradicated. The publication is designed to provide global transparency of a nation's animal health status. There have been no new cases of bird flu detected in poultry since 24 February 2025; the government submitted the self-declaration to the WOAH last month. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been working closely with trading partners to triage a crippling crisis for the poultry industry that began after H7, a separate strain of the virus, tore through chicken flocks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT in July 2024. More than 1.8 million birds were culled nationwide during that outbreak, decimating the national layer hen flock and causing an Australia-wide retail shortage of eggs, in an effort to contain the spread of the virus while strict quarantine zones and trade restrictions were put in place. The government has also confirmed that Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain, a subtype of avian influenza that remains on its doorstep and has created havoc across entire continents. The highly contagious strain has infected more than 500 wild bird species and 90 mammalian species overseas and, while these were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers, "spillover" cases have been detected in dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. A sheep was also infected after being exposed to a highly contaminated environment in the UK. Asia has been significantly impacted by the H5N1 strain with cases being reported in several countries, including multiple human fatalities linked to the virus in Cambodia notwithstanding that human infections are rare. The government invested more than $100 million last year to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities as stakeholders prepare for a possible future outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Australia, including the potential impacts to animals, people and ecosystems. Stakeholders said a significant outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu, which jumped species to infect humans and more than 80 dairy farms across 11 states in the US, could lead to the "worst environmental disaster in Australia's history". While the eradication of the latest outbreak marks a significant turning point, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins cautioned against complacency and said the joint effort underlines Australia's successful response and management capabilities and ongoing work to combat invasive emergency pests and diseases. "Australia must remain vigilant, as a highly contagious and serious strain of H5 HPAI is spreading globally through movement of migratory wild birds - this strain is not present in Australia," she said. "The rapid spread abroad has killed not only birds but also mammals, and means we cannot afford to be complacent. "The agriculture, environment and health sectors are working in partnership to manage national biosecurity threats that impact Australians." The H7N8 outbreak in February was reported days after the government declared Australia bird flu-free following the 2024 outbreak. A national review of avian influenza preparedness is also currently underway, with recommendations expected by the end of the year. Proposals being considered are permanent upgrades to farm-level biosecurity and improved diagnostic capacity for regional areas. Avian influenza virus strains are either low or high pathogenicity, depending on the impact the disease has on poultry. In Australia, low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are naturally carried by wild birds, particularly ducks, often without signs of disease, and spread by contaminating the food or water supplies of domestic poultry and this can mutate into high pathogenicity strains on rare occasions. Scientists believe the 2025 outbreak was linked to one of these 'spillover' events. Australia's default policy for bird flu outbreaks is to contain and eradicate the disease in the shortest possible time, without vaccination. In a major win for the nation's biosecurity efforts, Australia has been officially declared free from high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Australia's self-declared HPAI-free status following agreement by the National Management Group that the February 2025 H7N8 outbreak in Victoria has been eradicated. The publication is designed to provide global transparency of a nation's animal health status. There have been no new cases of bird flu detected in poultry since 24 February 2025; the government submitted the self-declaration to the WOAH last month. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been working closely with trading partners to triage a crippling crisis for the poultry industry that began after H7, a separate strain of the virus, tore through chicken flocks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT in July 2024. More than 1.8 million birds were culled nationwide during that outbreak, decimating the national layer hen flock and causing an Australia-wide retail shortage of eggs, in an effort to contain the spread of the virus while strict quarantine zones and trade restrictions were put in place. The government has also confirmed that Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain, a subtype of avian influenza that remains on its doorstep and has created havoc across entire continents. The highly contagious strain has infected more than 500 wild bird species and 90 mammalian species overseas and, while these were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers, "spillover" cases have been detected in dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. A sheep was also infected after being exposed to a highly contaminated environment in the UK. Asia has been significantly impacted by the H5N1 strain with cases being reported in several countries, including multiple human fatalities linked to the virus in Cambodia notwithstanding that human infections are rare. The government invested more than $100 million last year to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities as stakeholders prepare for a possible future outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Australia, including the potential impacts to animals, people and ecosystems. Stakeholders said a significant outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu, which jumped species to infect humans and more than 80 dairy farms across 11 states in the US, could lead to the "worst environmental disaster in Australia's history". While the eradication of the latest outbreak marks a significant turning point, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins cautioned against complacency and said the joint effort underlines Australia's successful response and management capabilities and ongoing work to combat invasive emergency pests and diseases. "Australia must remain vigilant, as a highly contagious and serious strain of H5 HPAI is spreading globally through movement of migratory wild birds - this strain is not present in Australia," she said. "The rapid spread abroad has killed not only birds but also mammals, and means we cannot afford to be complacent. "The agriculture, environment and health sectors are working in partnership to manage national biosecurity threats that impact Australians." The H7N8 outbreak in February was reported days after the government declared Australia bird flu-free following the 2024 outbreak. A national review of avian influenza preparedness is also currently underway, with recommendations expected by the end of the year. Proposals being considered are permanent upgrades to farm-level biosecurity and improved diagnostic capacity for regional areas. Avian influenza virus strains are either low or high pathogenicity, depending on the impact the disease has on poultry. In Australia, low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are naturally carried by wild birds, particularly ducks, often without signs of disease, and spread by contaminating the food or water supplies of domestic poultry and this can mutate into high pathogenicity strains on rare occasions. Scientists believe the 2025 outbreak was linked to one of these 'spillover' events. Australia's default policy for bird flu outbreaks is to contain and eradicate the disease in the shortest possible time, without vaccination.
The Advertiser
29-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Machetes and swords get the chop as new laws begin
Owners of machetes or swords have three months to surrender their weapons as another state falls into line with an Australia-wide crackdown on dangerous knives. The surrender of the blades, to be classified as prohibited weapons, takes effect in South Australia from July. They can be handed in anonymously until the end of September following the passage of tough new laws after a spate of stabbings in neighbouring Victoria. The SA move also comes after Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA all introduced tough laws in recent months in a bid to combat the growing number of knife crimes. Along with the ban on machetes and swords, the SA government is raising the purchase age for all dangerous knives from 16 to 18. "We have acted swiftly and decisively in response to incidents interstate to prepare the strongest laws in the country to protect our community from the menace of knife crime," said Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Sunday. "We haven't gotten to that stage in South Australia with some of these incidents ... interstate but that's the exact point of passing these sorts of laws to make sure we don't get to that point."Those who break the new laws from Tuesday face up to two years in jail or a $20,000 fine. The laws also expand offences around the possession of knives and offensive weapons at schools, childcare centres, universities and places of build on a previous efforts to give police stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches at shopping centres or public transport Police Commissioner Narelle Kameniar said knife crime was a national problem that needed to be tackled collectively. "It (knife crime) is not unique to South is of concern to us," she told reporters. "We've seen a number of incidents occur interstate as well so there's lots of jurisdictions bringing in legislation in relation to knife crime." Almost a quarter of all homicide victims nationwide in 2023 involved the wielding of a knife - about 100 victims in total. Ms Kameniar said concerns around weapon possession extended across adults and youth alike but she was optimistic new restrictions would help rein in the number of young people carrying bladed weapons. Particular exemptions for collector items or religious purposes, such as samurai swords, are written into the laws. Owners of machetes or swords have three months to surrender their weapons as another state falls into line with an Australia-wide crackdown on dangerous knives. The surrender of the blades, to be classified as prohibited weapons, takes effect in South Australia from July. They can be handed in anonymously until the end of September following the passage of tough new laws after a spate of stabbings in neighbouring Victoria. The SA move also comes after Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA all introduced tough laws in recent months in a bid to combat the growing number of knife crimes. Along with the ban on machetes and swords, the SA government is raising the purchase age for all dangerous knives from 16 to 18. "We have acted swiftly and decisively in response to incidents interstate to prepare the strongest laws in the country to protect our community from the menace of knife crime," said Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Sunday. "We haven't gotten to that stage in South Australia with some of these incidents ... interstate but that's the exact point of passing these sorts of laws to make sure we don't get to that point."Those who break the new laws from Tuesday face up to two years in jail or a $20,000 fine. The laws also expand offences around the possession of knives and offensive weapons at schools, childcare centres, universities and places of build on a previous efforts to give police stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches at shopping centres or public transport Police Commissioner Narelle Kameniar said knife crime was a national problem that needed to be tackled collectively. "It (knife crime) is not unique to South is of concern to us," she told reporters. "We've seen a number of incidents occur interstate as well so there's lots of jurisdictions bringing in legislation in relation to knife crime." Almost a quarter of all homicide victims nationwide in 2023 involved the wielding of a knife - about 100 victims in total. Ms Kameniar said concerns around weapon possession extended across adults and youth alike but she was optimistic new restrictions would help rein in the number of young people carrying bladed weapons. Particular exemptions for collector items or religious purposes, such as samurai swords, are written into the laws. Owners of machetes or swords have three months to surrender their weapons as another state falls into line with an Australia-wide crackdown on dangerous knives. The surrender of the blades, to be classified as prohibited weapons, takes effect in South Australia from July. They can be handed in anonymously until the end of September following the passage of tough new laws after a spate of stabbings in neighbouring Victoria. The SA move also comes after Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA all introduced tough laws in recent months in a bid to combat the growing number of knife crimes. Along with the ban on machetes and swords, the SA government is raising the purchase age for all dangerous knives from 16 to 18. "We have acted swiftly and decisively in response to incidents interstate to prepare the strongest laws in the country to protect our community from the menace of knife crime," said Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Sunday. "We haven't gotten to that stage in South Australia with some of these incidents ... interstate but that's the exact point of passing these sorts of laws to make sure we don't get to that point."Those who break the new laws from Tuesday face up to two years in jail or a $20,000 fine. The laws also expand offences around the possession of knives and offensive weapons at schools, childcare centres, universities and places of build on a previous efforts to give police stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches at shopping centres or public transport Police Commissioner Narelle Kameniar said knife crime was a national problem that needed to be tackled collectively. "It (knife crime) is not unique to South is of concern to us," she told reporters. "We've seen a number of incidents occur interstate as well so there's lots of jurisdictions bringing in legislation in relation to knife crime." Almost a quarter of all homicide victims nationwide in 2023 involved the wielding of a knife - about 100 victims in total. Ms Kameniar said concerns around weapon possession extended across adults and youth alike but she was optimistic new restrictions would help rein in the number of young people carrying bladed weapons. Particular exemptions for collector items or religious purposes, such as samurai swords, are written into the laws. Owners of machetes or swords have three months to surrender their weapons as another state falls into line with an Australia-wide crackdown on dangerous knives. The surrender of the blades, to be classified as prohibited weapons, takes effect in South Australia from July. They can be handed in anonymously until the end of September following the passage of tough new laws after a spate of stabbings in neighbouring Victoria. The SA move also comes after Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA all introduced tough laws in recent months in a bid to combat the growing number of knife crimes. Along with the ban on machetes and swords, the SA government is raising the purchase age for all dangerous knives from 16 to 18. "We have acted swiftly and decisively in response to incidents interstate to prepare the strongest laws in the country to protect our community from the menace of knife crime," said Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Sunday. "We haven't gotten to that stage in South Australia with some of these incidents ... interstate but that's the exact point of passing these sorts of laws to make sure we don't get to that point."Those who break the new laws from Tuesday face up to two years in jail or a $20,000 fine. The laws also expand offences around the possession of knives and offensive weapons at schools, childcare centres, universities and places of build on a previous efforts to give police stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches at shopping centres or public transport Police Commissioner Narelle Kameniar said knife crime was a national problem that needed to be tackled collectively. "It (knife crime) is not unique to South is of concern to us," she told reporters. "We've seen a number of incidents occur interstate as well so there's lots of jurisdictions bringing in legislation in relation to knife crime." Almost a quarter of all homicide victims nationwide in 2023 involved the wielding of a knife - about 100 victims in total. Ms Kameniar said concerns around weapon possession extended across adults and youth alike but she was optimistic new restrictions would help rein in the number of young people carrying bladed weapons. Particular exemptions for collector items or religious purposes, such as samurai swords, are written into the laws.
