Coles to Withdraw Kitchen Knives from Stores After Employee Stabbing Incident

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After the stabbing of a 63-year-old employee at a Coles supermarket in Ipswich, Queensland, the company has announced it will stop selling kitchen knives in all its Australian stores. The incident occurred on Monday, with Claudia Campomayor Watt being attacked with a knife taken from the store’s shelves. She is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

In light of this incident, Coles stated that the decision to withdraw kitchen knives is part of a review process aimed at enhancing the safety of both staff and customers. A spokesperson mentioned that while Coles complies with all existing legislation regarding knife sales, customer safety remains a top priority.

The alleged assailant, a 13-year-old boy, has been charged with attempted murder. The assault has placed additional pressure on Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who has pledged to strengthen youth crime laws since taking office. On numerous occasions, Crisafulli has vowed to enact tougher legislation, asserting that such laws would act as a deterrent to youth crime.

However, questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of these laws, particularly concerning their applicability to cases like attempted murder. Crisafulli has indicated that a review of the current legal framework will continue, with the aim of addressing what he called a "generation of hardcore repeat untouchables."

The incident and subsequent policy changes have sparked a public debate on youth crime and safety in Queensland, with some experts raising concerns over potential increases in incarceration rates as a result of stricter laws.

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