Felix Ellis’ position on knife crime was so weak he could not sustain it for more than a few days.

He is now following Labor’s lead and committing to introducing new knife safety legislation – but there are no excuses for him taking this long to act.

Law reform advocate Laraine Ludwig has met with Minister Ellis five times to plead the case for these laws, yet he couldn’t tell Ms Ludwig they would be implemented until after she had support from Labor.

In fact, just last week the Minister told Parliament these laws wouldn’t work. He had been telling Ms Ludwig he wouldn’t introduce them. 

It took three hours for Minister Ellis to Act on Stony Rise, three weeks on Port Latta Wind farm and just three days on Reid’s Law.

Today’s announcement adds to a growing pattern of the Liberals sitting paralysed until Labor takes the lead.

We welcome the Minister’s change of heart, but once it again it demonstrates that Labor is leading, and the tired Liberal government is following.

Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management