Controlled Weapons
Controlled weapons is a category that is largely directed
at martial art weapons.
The legislation defines the term
"controlled weapon" as -
(a) an
article prescribed by regulations (short
list of articles or full
list and description) to be a controlled weapon; or
(b) any other
article, not being a firearm or a prohibited weapon, made or
modified to be used -
(i)
to injure or disable a person;
(ii) to
cause a person to fear that someone will be injured or disabled by
that use; or
(iii) for
attack or defence in the practice of a martial sport, art or
similar discipline.
The offence
The offence is rather simply stated - a person who,
without lawful excuse, carries or possesses a controlled weapon
commits an offence.
Even if a person who has a lawful excuse still commits an
offence if the person carries or possesses it in a manner that
could reasonably be expected to cause someone -
(a) to be
injured or disabled; or
(b) to
fear that someone will be injured or disabled.
Penalty
There are very limited exceptions and the penalty is
imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of $24 000.
Lawful excuse
Whilst "lawful excuse" is not defined by the legislation, it
does state that it is not a lawful excuse
"that the weapon is carried or possessed for defence".