The National Retail Association has welcomed the announcement from the Palaszczuk Government, which will seek to introduce new laws to Parliament to restrict the sale of knives, certain other bladed items, and replica firearms (including gel blasters) to juveniles, in a commitment to protect the community and further combat knife crime and youth offending.
The National Retail Association’s Director of Policy, David Stout, said retailers are highly supportive of implementing practices that further enhance the safety and protection of retail staff and community members and welcome the opportunity to consult widely with the retail and industry sectors.
“The National Retail Association understands that this is a necessary step for the safety of our customers. Landlords, retailers, and team members face an array of challenges with increasing cases of aggression and assaults,”
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Queensland Government on getting the policy settings right. We also understand that there will be a reasonable transition period to ensure the correct systems can be developed.” Mr Stout said.
Under proposed new laws, it will become an offence to sell knives, certain other bladed items, and replica firearms (including gel blasters) to juveniles.
In addition, it will become an offence to use false identification to purchase these weapons and to advertise these items as ‘suitable for combat’.
Retailers will be required to securely store certain other bladed items like machetes, axes, swords, sickles, daggers, double-edged blades, and spears prior to sale.
Retailers will also be required to display signage regarding age restrictions for sales.
“The National Retail Association is working across State and Territory jurisdictions on retail crime, youth justice and ensuring retail workers and community members are safe. There is an urgent need to address the behaviour of the few aggressive individuals that slip through the cracks. We
need to demonstrate there are consequences for their actions and send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated,”
“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government on this critical initiative, and for the opportunity to provide a range of support services and resources to retail businesses across Queensland.” Mr Stout said.
The National Retail Association represents more than 60,000 stores across Australia. It has been serving businesses in the retail and fast-food sectors for close to 100 years.
For more information, contact the National Retail Association Media unit on 0435 790 925