From 1 July, children under 18 will not be able to buy dangerous knives under any circumstances – raising the age of purchase from 16 years of age, while machetes and swords will now be classified as prohibited weapons.

This will mean it is an offence to manufacture, sell, distribute, supply, or otherwise deal in, or use or have possession of, a machete or sword, carrying a maximum penalty of $20,000 or two years imprisonment.

The reforms are part of phase two of knife crime law reforms, ensuring the state has the toughest knife laws in the country.

The laws also expand existing offences around the possession of knives and offensive weapons at schools and public places to cover more education facilities such as childcare centres, preschools, universities and TAFE SA campuses, and places of worship.

People should check whether their possession of swords or machetes will remain lawful and, if not, surrender to a local police station – except for Hindley or Grenfell Street – during the three-month surrender period from 1 July 2025.

These new laws build upon the first round of reforms which gave police stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches.

Places that can now be declared to enable police to conduct metal detector searches include public transport hubs and shopping centre precincts.

For more information visit the South Australia Police website at: police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons/weapons(external site) or call 131 444.