The Tasmanian Government is committed to consulting with the community about proposed amendments to the Police Offences Act 1935.

What is the Police Offences Act 1935?

The Police Offences Act 1935 is a body of legislation concerning public order and safety. The Act prescribes for certain offences that are punishable summarily (in the Magistrates Court) and provides for certain powers for police and other persons.

What are the proposed amendments?

As part of the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing commitment to community safety under the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Government is progressing further reforms to the Police Offences Act 1935 aimed at reducing knife‑related harm and strengthening regulatory controls around the sale, supply and possession of knives and prohibited weapons.

These reforms build on existing commitments under the ‘Strong Plan to Crack Down on Crime’ and are intended to prevent access to knives by young people, improve retail compliance, and reduce the circulation of dangerous weapons in the community.

To support these objectives, the Government is proposing a series of amendments to the Police Offences Act 1935 and is releasing these proposals for public consultation before they are considered by Parliament.

The proposed changes include:

• Creating a new summary offence prohibiting the sale or supply of knives to persons under the age of 18 without a lawful excuse.
• Introducing mandatory signage and secure storage requirements for all retail outlets where knives are sold.
• Establishing liability provisions for employers where an employee contravenes the relevant legislation.
• Creating a new summary offence for a person who makes a false statement or provides false evidence when asked by a seller to produce proof of age.
• Introducing a legislative amendment to prohibit the supply, manufacture, display, advertising, sale, purchase and possession of a prohibited weapon, with machetes proposed to be prescribed as a prohibited weapon.
• Providing an exemption for agricultural purposes, including for training and the supply of equipment to agricultural businesses.

Feedback on the Bill is invited from all members of the community. Consultation commences on 9 July 2026 and closes 13 August 2026. Information on the consultation and a copy of the Bill is available at www.police.tas.gov.au/consultations/

How to make a submission

We must receive all written submissions by 5:00 PM on 13 August 2026.  You can make a submission by:

EMAIL to:        submissions.strategy.support@dpfem.tas.gov.au

POST to:           Submissions at Strategy and Support

Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management

GPO Box 308, Hobart TAS 7001

In accordance with the Tasmanian government’s public submissions policy, all submissions will be published on the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management website at www.police.tas.gov.au/consultations/

Parties making a submission may request that the submission is treated as confidential. Reasons are to accompany such a request. A copy of the public submissions policy is available at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/