Changes to knife laws

Kine law changes with a sword and machete in a banned circle and 18+ in a circle

The South Australian Government has introduced new knife laws banning the possession of swords and machetes (that do not qualify for an exemption) and making it illegal to sell a knife to a minor under the age of 18.

These changes provide police with extra tools to prevent crime, take weapons off our streets, and to keep the community safe.

Knife crime legislation reforms (phase 2) will begin July 1, 2025.

The changes will amend the Summary Offences Act 1953 and include:

banning the sale of knives to minors (under 18 years old)
creating a new criminal offence of supplying a knife to a minor
existing offences involving knives and other offensive weapons at schools and public places to be expanded to also apply at education facilities more broadly (including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and at universities, TAFE campuses and other tertiary education facilities) and places of worship
classifying machetes and swords, which were previously offensive weapons, as prohibited weapons (meaning that their use, possession, sale, manufacture and other dealings will be more strictly controlled).

What exemptions apply?

The legislation allows you to lawfully surrender swords and machetes. If you are transporting a sword or machete to a police station you will be considered exempt.

There are a number of other exemptions that apply particularly around the possession of swords and machetes including delivery to police. Refer to our Prohibited weapons, items and explosives page or to Schedule 2 Part 2 of the Summary Offences Act 1953 – which outlines the exemptions for possession of a prohibited weapon for other purposes.

What if I have a sword or machete?

If you have a sword or machete and you are not looking to retain them for the purposes covered by an exemption, you are required to surrender them to police.

How do I surrender a sword or machete?

There will be a three-month surrender period from 1 July 2025. You are encouraged to dispose of your prohibited weapon by taking it to your local police station (except for Hindley or Grenfell Street stations) from Tuesday, 1 July.

To find a station’s details, including opening hours, visit Find your local police station

When transporting and surrendering your sword or machete you will need to:

Ensure the weapon is safe by covering the blade with a sheath or thick cardboard and fixed/sticky taped in place.
Ensure your behaviour is calm with no threatening movements.

You can remain anonymous.

There is no reimbursement for surrendering knives. The purpose of this surrender period is to remove dangerous weapons from circulation.

After the three-month surrender period, swords and machetes may still be surrendered at a police station, however, personal details will then be required.

What do I do if I suspect someone of possessing an unlawful sword or machete or is intending to commit an offence with a knife?

You can make a report to Crime Stoppers online or call 1800 333 000.

How can I report businesses doing the wrong thing?

You can make a report by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

What are the penalties?

Supply penalties

From July 1, if you supply a knife to a minor, and you knew (or should have known) that the minor intended or was likely to use it to commit an offence, you will face penalties under the new criminal offence.

The person who supplied the knife will face penalties:

For a serious offence of violence - $35,000 fine or 4 years in prison .
For an offence of possessing a knife in an education facility, public place or place of worship - $10,000 fine or 6 months in prison.

Possession penalties

From July 1, machetes and swords will be classified as prohibited weapons.

The penalty for manufacturing, selling, distributing, supplying, or otherwise dealing in, or using or possessing a prohibited weapon is - $20,000 fine or 2 years in prison.

Other penalties

Existing Knife Crime penalties include:

Carrying an offensive weapon without lawful excuse - $2,500 fine or 6 months prison.
Manufacturing, selling, distributing, supplying or dealing in dangerous articles - $7,500 fine or 18 months in prison.
Carrying an offensive weapon while in – or trying to leave or enter – a licensed premises or the carpark of a licensed premises at night - $7,500 or 2 years in prison.
Using an offensive weapon or carrying an offensive weapon that is visible, in the presence of any person in an education facility, place of worship, or public place in a manner that would be likely to cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his or her personal safety - $10,000 or 2 years in prison.
Possessing a knife in an education facility, place of worship or public place without lawful excuse - $2,500 or 6 months in prison for a first offence or $5,000 or 12 months imprisonment for a subsequent offence.
Selling a knife to a minor - $20,000 or 2 years in prison.
Marketing a knife in a way that suggests the knife is suitable for combat or is otherwise likely to stimulate or encourage violent behaviour involving the use of the knife as a weapon - $20,000 or 2 years in prison.

Further information

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Attorney-General's Department.