The reforms outlined in the discussion paper appear to be a rushed response in the wake of a small number of high-profile incidents. As the Discussion Paper acknowledges, South Australia already has ‘tough laws to address knife crime’ (page 2). Rather than pursuing this justice-driven response, I encourage you to consider alternative approaches to improving community safety that focus on:
- Investing in prevention, early intervention and diversionary programs that support children, families and communities and address the root causes of violence.
- Listening to and valuing children and young people’s views and experiences in relation to violence prevention, including what makes them feel safe or unsafe at school and in the community.
- Improving data collection and strengthening evidence on the factors that motivate people to carry weapons, the prevalence of knife offences, and what works to reduce knife carrying and offences.