The comprehensive package includes expanding police powers to conduct wanding searches in shopping centres and at public transport hubs, requirements for the secure storage of knives in stores, and the creation of two new offences for supplying knives to minors.

The laws, to be introduced to State Parliament this week, have been developed following extensive consultation with SAPOL and the broader community.

Under the proposed reforms:

• Police will have greater power to conduct wanding searches at shopping centres, public transport hubs, on public transport vehicles and at licensed premises.
• It will be an offence to supply a knife to a minor, where the supplier knew or ought to have known that the knife could be used in an offence.
• The sale of knives to minors will be banned, without exception.
• Offences for carrying and using knives at schools and public places will be expanded to cover childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens, universities and TAFE SA campuses.
• Stores selling certain types of knives will need to keep them securely locked up or tethered.
• The display of signage stating that knives cannot be sold to minors will be mandated at any retail premises selling knives.