The NSW Police on the 28 February 2019 amended the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 that will commence to include a zombie knife in the schedule of prohibited weapons.
The announcement appears to be that open to interpretation that almost any hunter or farmer could be in possession of a prohibited weapon without knowing it.
The Million dollar question is what is a zombie knife?
Commencing 28 February 2019, a zombie knife will be defined as a prohibited weapon. See below definition:
A zombie knife or other device that has a multi-edged blade, including a serrated section of blade, and:
(a) is advertised or otherwise made available for sale using images or words that suggest the knife or device is intended to be used for violence, whether actual or threatened, against a person or fictional creature (such as a zombie), or
(b) has, on the blade or handle, images, words or markings that suggest the knife or device is intended to be used for violence, whether actual or threatened, against a person or fictional creature (such as a zombie), or has been used to inflict violence.
Robert Borsak MLC said “Banning the ‘zombie’ knife is more proof that New South Wales is heading towards a nanny state,”
According to Police Minister Troy Grant these multi edged, serrated blades,
“Have the potential to cause significant harm to people if used in criminal activity.”
This ridiculous proposal by Minister Grant is so open to interpretation that anglers, farmers and small business owners can be prosecuted because of this thought bubble.
Every fisherman and every farmer would be in possession of, at least one, “zombie” knife.
Fishermen use these knives to fillet; farmers use them around their properties, on fences and hay bales and small businesses stock them around the state.
This Government has a proven track record of destroying small, family run businesses. If these changes proceed many mum and dad businesses will be decimated. One day they are selling an item that is legal; they next day they will be stocking an illegal product they cannot sell.
The argument is, according to Troy Grant, that they will be illegal unless you obtain a permit.
“It is nothing more than a money-making exercise for the Government, to stick their hands in the pockets of fishermen, farmers and small business owners, once again.
“I wouldn’t expect anything else from a National Party Police Minister who gave us the greyhound band, the Ammunition Bill and only last week wants to make permanently inoperable the firearms that our Diggers have donated to rural museums around the State.
“We have well and truly become a nanny state under this government and it needs to stop.
“This thought bubble is so ridiculous.
“When the zombie apocalypse arrives, we will be unable to defend ourselves,” said Mr Borsak.
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