Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has backed the NSW Liberals’ proposed knife crime reforms, aimed at giving police officers greater powers to conduct knife wanding searches in any public place, at any time.
The NSW Opposition will move amendments to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Knife Scanning) Bill 2026 when Parliament resumes in August.
The proposed changes would allow police to conduct knife wanding operations in any public place where they reasonably believe there is a risk to public safety, without requiring a declaration to be made every 24 hours.
Mr Crouch said police should have the flexibility to act quickly when there are reasonable concerns for community safety.
“Our hardworking police on the Coast should have every practical tool available to keep our community safe, and be able to respond quickly when risks arise,” said Mr Crouch.
“Under the current laws, a senior police officer is required to make a declaration every 24 hours setting out where and when knife wanding would take place, undermining the effectiveness in stamping out knife crime.”
“Knife crime can happen anywhere, anytime and our police officers need the flexibility to respond whenever risks occur.”