In most states – including New South Wales, Victoria, the Northern Territory and South Australia – it is illegal to carry a firearm, even to defend oneself. These include knives, which are considered dangerous objects or prohibited weapons. WA: Fronds are illegal in Washington state and cannot be sold. WA Weapons ActWA Weapons RegulationsNT: Fronds are illegal in the Northwest Territories and cannot be sold. Arms Control RegulationsNUM Legislation Database Anything that falls within the definition of a “prohibited weapon” in Schedule 1 of the Weapons Act is illegal in New South Wales (unless you have a licence). But anything outside can also be considered illegal if it is considered an “offensive weapon” under the New South Wales Crimes Act. This includes all dangerous weapons (p. ex. Firearm or imitation of a weapon or prohibited weapon) or anything manufactured or adapted for offensive purposes, or anything in the circumstances, is used for use or intends or threatens to be used for offensive purposes, whether or not normally used for offensive purposes or may cause damage. At least one person has been prosecuted for possession of a replica weapon.
I do not see that kind of legislation in many places. Even England allowed replicas and rifles without firing. A model bomb or pistol is illegal unless the chief of police allows it. The reversal of the idea of English and American law, where everything is allowed except what is forbidden. Here, everything is forbidden, except what is allowed. All prohibited weapons are allowed if you can apply for a permit from the police. In addition to bulletproof vests, the carrying or use of weapons for self-defence purposes is generally illegal in Australia. Western Australia is the only place in Australia where you are allowed to carry a PO, pepper or pepper spray to defend yourself if you have reasonable grounds to receive a legal apology. All other state and territorial laws make it illegal to possess or use a prohibited weapon for self-defense or protection purposes.
“Dangerous objects” are another type of weapon in Victoria and include all legal items such as a kitchen knife that becomes dangerous when used as a weapon. These may be, for example, golf clubs or hammers. It is illegal to wear these items in public with the intention of using them as a weapon. This carries sentences of up to 6 months in prison (12 months in prison if transported to or near an authorized site where alcohol is sold). You may lawfully wear and use these items for the intended legal purposes (for legal excuses). It is illegal to possess or use these items for self-defence. The New South Wales Firearms Act prohibits anyone unless you have a licence to carry a prohibited weapon as defined in Schedule 1, including a striking knife whose blade opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force, or by pressing a button, spring or device in the handle of the knife or on the handle of the knife. The calendar lists other items classified as “prohibited weapons” in New South Wales. If the Swiss Army knife you have falls under the description of a “prohibited weapon”, it is illegal. Otherwise, it`s legal. This leads to severe criminal penalties.
Okay, so you can`t carry a pocket knife under Australian law – so how can you protect yourself from attackers? One of the best things you can do to defend yourself is to learn martial arts or hand-to-hand combat. Here are some martial arts that can help you fight back: Carrying a knife in public of any kind is a criminal offense in New South Wales that carries penalties of up to 2 years in prison and/or a $2,200 fine if dealt with in court, or a $550 fine if the police decide, Fine you instead (this means you won`t have to go to court and face criminal penalties if you get paid). You are legally allowed to carry a knife in public if you have a reasonable excuse, which may include genuine religious purposes, wearing an official uniform, organizing the exhibition of knife collectors, preparing or consuming food or beverages, participating in entertainment, leisure or legal sports. It is illegal to receive penalties of up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of $36,000 for carrying, possessing, buying, selling, supplying, manufacturing or bringing/sending a prohibited weapon in Western Australia, as required by section 6 of the Arms Act 1999 (WA).
