Knife Crime Reduction Strategy Released

28 August 2023

The Territory Labor Government has today released a Knife Crime Reduction Strategy that builds upon initiatives already underway to stamp out knife crime in the Territory.

The strategy informs a whole of government approach to building partnerships with the community, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, industry and law enforcement agencies to prevent this type of offending.

To help inform the strategy, an analysis of Territory knife crime data was undertaken which showed:

• Knives and edged weapons make up only 5% of violent crimes and any strategy must focus on violent crimes holistically.
• Nearly half of all knife crime incidents are Domestic and Family Violence related.
• Individuals sleeping rough carry knives for practical purposes and protection with no intention of offending.
• A preventive health and social response is necessary to reduce knife and violent crime.

While evidence did not show a need for further legislative amendments at this stage, the strategy outlines a range of short and medium-term actions, including:

• Culturally appropriate awareness and educational campaigns, including for schools on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife
• Alternative strategies to ensure people sleeping rough feel safe without the need to carry a knife
• Working with industry to develop a uniform practice for the security of knives to prevent theft
• Safety and de-escalation training for retail and hospitality workers
• The development of a NT Police led action plan to enhance the detection and prevention of knife crime in public places
• The development of a trauma and injury informed harm reduction framework

These initiatives will build on the work already implemented by government earlier this year including a new presumption against bail for violent offences involving a weapon and greater powers for police to stop and search individuals carrying weapons.

They will also support the work already underway by NT Police and the Department of Territory Families Housing and Communities to reduce the prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence across the Territory.

To view the strategy visit: https://cmc.nt.gov.au/supporting-government/strategies-and-plans/knife-crime-reduction-strategy

Quotes from Attorney General Chansey Paech:

“This strategy is founded on data and evidence, including national and international strategies that have proven to reduce the incidence of knife crime.

"We are adopting holistic approaches to prevent violence of all kinds in our community and that’s what this strategy will focus on: education, prevention and harm reduction.

"As a Government, we are committed to working together with law enforcement agencies, the non-government sector, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and businesses to build inclusive, empowered and safe communities.”

Northern Territory Government