Following another serious knife crime incident in the region, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has renewed his calls for stronger knife wanding powers for NSW Police.
Mr Crouch said the latest incident was deeply concerning and came amid an alarming number of knife-related incidents across the region and wider state.
“Unfortunately, the serious knife incident in Terrigal is a stark reminder of why our community is so concerned about this issue,” Mr Crouch said.
“It’s particularly alarming that some people view carrying a knife in public is somehow normal, acceptable or necessary.”
“We need to send a very clear message that carrying a knife does not make you safer and has no place in our community.”
Earlier this month, the NSW Liberals proposed legislation which would have allowed police to conduct knife wanding operations anywhere, anytime, by removing the requirement for a formal declaration before an operation can commence.
The proposed changes would have retained existing safeguards, including requirements for police to identify themselves and explain the search.
Mr Crouch said recent incidents reinforced the need for the Minns Labor Government to listen to the community and support stronger knife wanding laws.
“We know these powers work, with a recent knife wanding operation in Gosford resulting in police seizing several large knives,” Mr Crouch said.
“We’ve put forward a commonsense solution to give police greater flexibility to use these powers, yet the Minns Labor Government refuse to back stronger powers to protect our community.”
“The Minns Labor Government needs to listen to our police and listen to our community and give officers the practical powers they need to help keep people safe.”