On request from the Tassie Administration team I have approached the Devonport Police Station to find out where local Pagans (like ourselves) stand with the law, when we carry and use an athame/ritual dagger.
Senior Sargent Constable John received my enquiry with interest and respect as I introduced myself as Pagan and a practicing Witch celebrating eight festivals yearly and carting my knife with me to each event.

Knives come under the 'Dangerous articles' Act.

I have to advise that some changes will be made to this amendment in the near future, with apparently some controversy. Below in section (2) where it says; any person in a public place… this will also (in the future) include your car, a police officer may search your vehicle without a warrant at any time.

Dangerous Articles

15C.
(1) A person, without lawful excuse, must not have possession of, or carry or use, a dangerous article in a public place.

(2) A police officer may stop, detain and search, without a warrant, any person in a public place whom the police officer reasonably believes has possession of, or carries, any dangerous article without lawful excuse.

(3) A police officer may seize and detain any dangerous article found.

(4) A lawful excuse excludes self-defence but includes the following:

(a) The pursuit of a lawful occupation, duty or activity using the dangerous article;

(b) The participation in a lawful sport, recreation or entertainment using that dangerous article;

(c) The lawful collection, display or exhibition of that dangerous article;

(d) The use of that dangerous article for the lawful purpose for which it was intended.

(5) If a person is convicted or found guilty of an offence under this section, the dangerous article to which the offence relates is forfeited and may be disposed of as the court orders.

As Pagans celebrating festivals and participating in rituals, we come under section (4) part (a) …activity using the dangerous article.

There are some other guidelines to follow so that we act within the law concerning our athame/ritual knife. We must treat our knives as we would a firearm. To transport them lawfully all knives must be carried in a metal or wooden case or box that has a lock. Also if we are intending to use a knife in an openly public place it is advisable to contact the police before hand and let them know where and what time your ritual will be held. If there are any reports or complaints of your activities, the police will already be informed and less likely to bust into your circle mid-ritual demanding an explanation.

If you only use your knife on your own property or on other private property these laws do not apply. Although when circumstances arise, like moving house or acquiring a new knife, this law will come into play. However if you are like me and travel around the state like a gypsy, these laws will most definitely apply and it is comforting to know we as Pagans have rights and the opportunity to act within the law.