The 38% jump in stabbings over the last 7 years and reports that hospital emergency units are dealing with massive increases in injuries from serious stabbings show that current laws have failed to deter criminals, Shadow Attorney General Greg Smith SC said today.

"The Victorian Parliament cracked down on knife possession in 1990, bringing in gaol sentences for possession of knives without lawful excuse, which doesn’t include self defence[1],” Mr Smith said.

“Now it’s time for the NSW Parliament to consider urgently enact similar legislation,” he said.

“The Iemma Government has hamstrung police crackdowns by limiting the penalty to $550 infringement notices. This use of the Summary Offences Act[2] by Labor has been a massive flop, as the growing number of stabbings prove.

“While access to knives is very difficult to control, due to their daily use in the kitchen, there can be no excuse for carrying them for use in fights.

“Obviously knives are the weapon of choice among youths involved in late night drinking and partying. Sydney for knives is like Dodge City for six-guns. Unfortunately, the trend is growing to pull out the knife when an argument starts.

“While heavy penalties can be imposed by Courts for intentional and reckless wounding, it is the possession of knives which inflames many disagreements.

“There must be greater deterrents to stop people carrying knives.

“Currently possession without permit of flick knives and other knives specifically designed for violent use and classified as prohibited weapons are punishable by gaol sentences[3].

“With Sydney’s spiralling knife epidemic, penalties of imprisonment need to be extended to cover possession of any knife, without reasonable excuse.” Mr Smith said.

[1] S.6 Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic): 6. Control of controlled weapons

(1) A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse.

Penalty: 120 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year.

(1A) A person who is in licensed premises or in a public place that is in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse.

Penalty: 240 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

[2] S.11C Summary Offences Act 1988

[3] S.7 and Schedule 1  Weapons Prohibition Act 1998