The South Australian government is implementing stricter regulations regarding the sale and display of knives.

The new nation-leading laws will force retailers to securely store or tether any dangerous knives for sale in publicly accessible areas of their shops, with the regulations taking effect from 1 July next year. 

“Having dangerous knives secured in a retail setting really will help stop any opportunistic theft or access by people who really shouldn’t be having those weapons,” police assistant commissioner Narelle Kameniar said. 

The government has already granted police stronger search powers and reclassified swords and machetes as prohibited weapons.

“South Australia now has the toughest knife laws anywhere in the country,” Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.

Prior to the announcement of the new regulations, a three-month knife amnesty was declared. 

Since the start of July, 2353 weapons have been surrendered, including 1156 machetes and 722 swords.

South Australians have until the end of September to anonymously surrender swords, machetes, or dangerous knives at any police station outside the CBD.