Knife scanning powers made permanent

Key points

• NSW Police have gained permanent powers to stop and scan people for knives in public places, after new laws passed State Parliament last week. The laws make permanent a knife scanning trial that began in 2024.
• Police can now declare designated areas, including major entertainment venues, for up to 24 hours. Since April 2023, police have seized more than 15,000 knives from public places.
• Minister Yasmin Catley said the powers had been made permanent and stronger.