The Canberra Liberals' proposal to grant police expanded powers to use knife wands for random searches has been rejected by the ACT Legislative Assembly. The motion, put forward by Liberal MLA Elizabeth Lee, aimed to allow police to conduct wand searches for knives in designated public places without reasonable suspicion, as part of efforts to curb knife-related crime.
Background of the Motion
The motion sought to amend the Crimes Act 1900 to enable police to use hand-held metal detectors, commonly known as knife wands, in specified areas such as shopping centers, public transport hubs, and entertainment precincts. Proponents argued that such measures would deter knife carrying and enhance public safety, citing similar laws in other Australian jurisdictions.
Debate in the Assembly
During the debate, Liberal members emphasized the need for proactive policing to prevent knife violence, pointing to recent incidents in Canberra and elsewhere. However, the motion faced strong opposition from Labor, the Greens, and independent members. Critics raised concerns about civil liberties, racial profiling, and the effectiveness of random searches. Labor Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury stated that the government would not support measures that could disproportionately target minority groups or erode trust in police.
Outcome and Reactions
The motion was defeated by a vote of 14 to 11, with all Labor, Greens, and independent MLAs voting against it. Following the result, Elizabeth Lee expressed disappointment, asserting that the community deserves stronger action against knife crime. In contrast, civil liberties advocates welcomed the decision, arguing that the proposed powers were unnecessary and could lead to discriminatory practices.
Current Knife Laws in the ACT
Under existing ACT laws, it is illegal to carry a knife in public without a lawful excuse, and police have powers to search individuals if they have reasonable suspicion. The defeated motion would have lowered the threshold for searches in designated areas, allowing random checks without suspicion. Police data indicates that knife-related offenses in the ACT have remained relatively stable in recent years, though high-profile incidents have heightened public concern.
The rejection of the motion means that police will continue to operate under current search protocols. The government has indicated it will explore alternative strategies, including education programs and community engagement, to address knife violence without compromising civil liberties.
