What is a zombie knife?

On 28 February 2019, an amendment to the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 commenced to include a  zombie knife in the schedule of prohibited weapons. 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.

What if I am in possession of a zombie knife, what options do I have?

Unconditional Surrender: The zombie knife will be unconditionally surrendered to police for destruction. (Refer to question 'What is the process to follow in relation to the surrender of a zombie knife?' below for further information).

Conditional Surrender: The zombie knife will be surrendered to police for safe keeping on the condition that you make application for a prohibited weapon permit within 28 days from the date of surrender. (Refer to question 'What is the process to follow in relation to the conditional surrender of a zombie knife?' below for further information).

What is the process to follow in relation to the unconditional surrender of a zombie knife?

  1. Contact your local police station to schedule an appointment.
  2. Ensure you transport the zombie knife out of sight of the public and do not carry the item into a police station within view of bystanders. Place the zombie knife in a bag or wrap in a material prior to taking the zombie knife into a police station.
  3. Inform the police officer that you wish to 'Unconditionally Surrender' the zombie knife.
  4. You will complete a 'Unconditional Surrender of Prohibited Weapons' form.
  5. The zombie knife will remain in possession of police

What is the process to follow in relation to the conditional surrender of a zombie knife?

  1. Contact your local police station to schedule an appointment.
  2. Ensure you transport the zombie knife out of sight of the public and do not carry the item into a police station within view of bystanders. Place the zombie knife in a bag or wrap in a material prior to taking the zombie knife into a police station.
  3. Inform the police officer that you wish to 'Conditionally Surrender' the zombie knife.
  4. You will complete a 'Conditional Surrender of Prohibited Weapons' form. This form includes an undertaking that you will submit an application to the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry for the relevant prohibited weapon permit within 28 days of signing the form.
  5. The zombie knife will remain with police for safe keeping until you obtain a prohibited weapon permit that authorises possession/use of the zombie knife or are notified that the application has been refused.

Where can I surrender a zombie knife?

Zombie knives are surrendered to your local police station. By utilising the NSW Police Force Station Search webpage, you can locate your nearest police station.

How do I apply for a prohibited weapon permit?

  1. Prohibited weapon permit application forms are available on the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry website: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms/permits/prohibited_weapon_permits. You must have a genuine reason to be issued a prohibited weapon permit. There are prohibited weapon permits available for applicants who can justify ownership of a zombie knife. These include: collectors, authorised dealers/armourers, film, television or theatrical production purposes etc.
  2. You must submit your application for a prohibited weapon permit to the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry within the 28 day period.
  3. If your prohibited weapon permit that authorises the possession/use of the zombie knife is issued, take your issued prohibited weapons permit to the police station.
  4. At this time, you can retain possession of your zombie knife subject to the applicable legislative provisions regarding possession, use, storage and transport.

What if I have not been issued a prohibited weapon permit prior to the 28 day period?

Provided your application for a prohibited weapon permit was received at the NSW Police Force within the nominated 28 day period, your zombie knife will remain in the possession of police while your application is being processed.

What are the safe storage requirements for a zombie knife?

A zombie knife must be stored in accordance with level 1 safe storage requirements. The following Fact Sheet provides further information on the safe storage requirements for prohibited weapons: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/133189/SAFE_STORAGE_PROHIBITED_WEAPONS_LEVEL_1_2_3.pdf

What will happen if I do not obtain a prohibited weapon permit and I found in possession of a zombie knife?

In NSW, from 28 February 2019 a zombie knife is classified as a prohibited weapon. As such, if you are found in possession of a zombie knife and you do not hold an applicable prohibited weapon permit authorising possession, you may be charged.

Will I be compensated for surrendering a zombie knife?

No amnesty has been prescribed, therefore no compensation is available. Members of the public are encouraged to surrender any zombie knives in their possession to avoid being in unauthorised possession of a prohibited weapon.

Do I have to provide my details when surrendering a zombie knife?

Yes. Upon surrender to police, you will need to complete a form which includes your name, date of birth and address.

What if I am in possession of a zombie knife but I am unable to attend a police station for the purposes of surrender?

Contact your local police station for further advice.

Will I be charged a fee to surrender (conditionally or unconditionally) a zombie knife to police?

There is no fee in relation to the surrender (conditionally or unconditionally) of a zombie knife to police.