Archery Draft:Thrown Weapon legislation
Thrown Weapon legislation
The information on this website does not constitute legal advice. It is provided on a best-efforts basis, and was believed to be correct at the time of publication. Links to other websites were current at the time of publication, but the reader should not assume that links to legislation refer to the most recent amendments. Readers are encouraged to seek formal legal advice from qualified personnel if they believe that any of the issues discussed on this website may apply to them.
This information is provided as the laws for possession and use of thrown weapons vary from state to state and between New Zealand and Australia.
The following information is correct as of 10 June 2025.
Those wishing to use thrown weapons:
- Need to know their state laws on possession and use of thrown weapons, bearing in mind that different types of thrown weapons may fall under different restrictions.
- Must carry a copy of any required permits at all times, while in possession of, carrying or using, a thrown weapon.
- Must check state laws on the possession and use of thrown weapons when traveling interstate.
This document will largely focus on throwing knives, and throwing axes, as legislation most often makes mention of those weapons.
Furthermore, this article will not go into depth on the legislation regarding the sale of thrown weapons, as the scope of this page is for weapon possession and usage.
Australia
Federal Regulations
Under the Customs Act 1901, the importation into Australia of throwing blades, throwing knives or throwing axes is prohibited unless the importation is in accordance with certain requirements.
A Police Certification test is applicable to Throwing Knives, Throwing Blades and Throwing Axes. For weapons subject to the police certification test, importers should obtain a B709B form signed by the relevant police weapons registry in their state or territory. The completed and signed B709B form notifies the Australian Border Force that:
- the applicant holds a licence or authorisation under state/territory law to possess the goods or
- a licence or authorisation to possess the goods is not required under state/territory law
You must contact your state or territory police weapons registry to make an application to import weapons under the police certification test.
In some jurisdictions, police may issue a B709X form for certain weapons. The B709X form provides police certification for all residents of the relevant state or territory. It is only applicable where residents do not require a licence or authorisation to possess the weapons listed on the form. Residents of the relevant state or territory can import the weapons listed on the form without applying to the police for a B709B. Australian Border Force officers may require evidence that the importer is a resident of the state or territory that issued the B709X form. Contact your state or territory police firearms and weapons registry to find out if a B709X has been issued in your state or territory.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Under the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 it is an offence to have unauthorised possession of a "blade, knife or axe that is either made or modified to be thrown" as these are Prohibited Weapons.
New South Wales (NSW)
Under the Summary Offences Act 1988, and the Criminal Legislation Amendment (Knife Crimes) Act 2023 a person shall not, without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on the person), have in his or her custody an offensive implement in a public place or a school.
A reasonable excuse to have a thrown weapon includes "because it is reasonable necessary for participation in a lawful entertainment, recreation or sport", and "because it is reasonably necessary during travel to or from or incidental to " that activity.
Northern Territory (NT)
Under the Weapons Control Regulations 2001, a "throwing blade", being a knife or axe of any material that is designed to be thrown or modified to enable it to be thrown, is classified as a prohibited weapon.
Queensland (QLD)
Under the Weapons Act 1990:
- A person must not physically possess a knife in a public place or a school, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
- It is a reasonable excuse for subsection (1) to physically possess a knife to participate in a lawful entertainment, recreation or sport; or for lawfully exhibiting the knife.
South Australia (SA)
Under the Summary Offences Act 1953, a person who, without lawful excuse, has possession of a knife in a school or public place is guilty of an offence.
A person who manufactures, sells, distributes, supplies or otherwise deals in, prohibited weapons; or uses or has possession of a prohibited weapon, is guilty of an offence.
Thrown weapons aren't prohibited weapons in South Australia, however double-sided blade or spike-style blade daggers are.
As such, single edged throwing weapons may be preferable
Possession and use of prohibited weapons requires an individual to be participating in a lawful and recognised form of recreation or sport that reasonably requires the use or possession of the weapon.
Prohibited weapons cannot be supplied to any person under 18 years of age.
Tasmania (TAS)
First draft. Update Coming Soon.
Victoria (VIC)
Under the Control of Weapons Act 2000 and Control of Weapons Regulations 2011 a Throwing blade, being a knife or axe of any material that is designed or modified to be thrown, is a prohibited weapon.
[https://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2014/GG2014G023.pdf#page=103 Control of Weapons Act 1990 EXEMPTION TO POSSESS THROWING BLADES, MACES AND FLAILS – RE-ENACTMENT ORGANISATIONS]
Western Australia (WA)
First draft. Update Coming Soon.
New Zealand
Throwing knives are legal to possess and use in New Zealand for legitimate purposes (such as competition and practice), it isn't legal to bring them into the country.
Crossbows, bows, and thrown weapons are all offensive weapons under the Crimes Act 1961. They should only be carried or used for a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, for example throwing weapon competition, practice or hunting.