Forums > Social Discussion > Australia staff laws?
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12 posts
12 posts
Posted:
I'm a fire spinner and I'm moving to australia in about two months.
Is it legal to practice with an unlit staff in a public park or something?
Can I spin a bo staff in public? Is that legal?
I'm a fire spinner and I'm moving to australia in about two months.
Is it legal to practice with an unlit staff in a public park or something?
Can I spin a bo staff in public? Is that legal?
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
yes.
as long as you wear pants.
yes.
as long as you wear pants.
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
bojitsu weapons in public? i'd ask the relevant shire for regulations governing that - try not to rely on internet forums for legal or regulatory advice...
bojitsu weapons in public? i'd ask the relevant shire for regulations governing that - try not to rely on internet forums for legal or regulatory advice...
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
there's no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness
3,764 posts
Location: limbo, Australia
there's no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness
3,764 posts
Location: limbo, Australia
Posted:
...and hip thrust... suggestively, and repeatedly...
I've never been aware of the legalities of spinning staff, lit or otherwise; I know that it seems to be, at the very least, "decriminalised", as every police officer I've seen while spinning (including fire - they used to drive by our weekly gathering spot all the time) has acknowledged our presence and moved on.
...and hip thrust... suggestively, and repeatedly...
I've never been aware of the legalities of spinning staff, lit or otherwise; I know that it seems to be, at the very least, "decriminalised", as every police officer I've seen while spinning (including fire - they used to drive by our weekly gathering spot all the time) has acknowledged our presence and moved on.
--pogo (pat) [forever and always]
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
hey pogo69,
the discretion of individual police officers is practical and welcome acknowledgment of how little trouble we fire folk can be but does should never be confused with anything being totally legal.
If i don't get booked by a police officer when i jaywalk right in front of them, that discretion does not necessarily mean that it is legal to jaywalk - it's simply that that officer was not in the mood to enforce that law.
As practitioners of an art form that involves fuel and fire, we'll always have the responsibility to not give the authorities a reason not to more tightly enforce laws against naked flames pants in public.
b
hey pogo69,
the discretion of individual police officers is practical and welcome acknowledgment of how little trouble we fire folk can be but does should never be confused with anything being totally legal.
If i don't get booked by a police officer when i jaywalk right in front of them, that discretion does not necessarily mean that it is legal to jaywalk - it's simply that that officer was not in the mood to enforce that law.
As practitioners of an art form that involves fuel and fire, we'll always have the responsibility to not give the authorities a reason not to more tightly enforce laws against naked flames pants in public.
b
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
stranger
12 posts
12 posts
Posted:
Counties such as Australia seem to be terrified of weapons, So that's why I ask.
I know Aussies who have gotten in trouble with the law for having boots with built in sheaths, even if there was no knife.
I just don't want some lame officers to cuff me up for "using a weapon in public".
Counties such as Australia seem to be terrified of weapons, So that's why I ask.
I know Aussies who have gotten in trouble with the law for having boots with built in sheaths, even if there was no knife.
I just don't want some lame officers to cuff me up for "using a weapon in public".
SILVER Member
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Posted:
I would say just go do it... but if approached by a police officer, simply be friendly and apologise if you're told its not legal, then you shouldnt be booky book booked. But I'm not one to give legal advise of course.
I would say just go do it... but if approached by a police officer, simply be friendly and apologise if you're told its not legal, then you shouldnt be booky book booked. But I'm not one to give legal advise of course.
stranger
12 posts
12 posts
Posted:
Thanks, everyone that responded though.
Thanks, everyone that responded though.
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
COME TO MELB. we don't smell*
COME TO MELB. we don't smell*
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Posted:
Speak for yourself, bender, I have a great sense of smell!
Speak for yourself, bender, I have a great sense of smell!
BRONZE Member
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted:
the vast majority of police officers in Australia are fairly level headed about justice, not just law. however if you deliberately scare some kids with your bo staff, and their mum rings up the cop who you then mouth off to, well you shouldnt be surprised with they kick your butt. If on the other hand you are quite reasonable, and practise in places where there is very little chance someone might feel unsafe or threatened by you, and its obvious you are pracisting martial arts not just going psycho (eg practise forms in public, and practise aggressive yelling and random shadow sparring in private) then I'm confident you will be ok.
I'm not a lawyer, but this is what I would do and have seen others do with no worries.
the vast majority of police officers in Australia are fairly level headed about justice, not just law. however if you deliberately scare some kids with your bo staff, and their mum rings up the cop who you then mouth off to, well you shouldnt be surprised with they kick your butt. If on the other hand you are quite reasonable, and practise in places where there is very little chance someone might feel unsafe or threatened by you, and its obvious you are pracisting martial arts not just going psycho (eg practise forms in public, and practise aggressive yelling and random shadow sparring in private) then I'm confident you will be ok.
I'm not a lawyer, but this is what I would do and have seen others do with no worries.
--
Help! My personality got stuck in this signature machine and I cant get it out!
PLATINUM Member
Will carpal your tunnel in a minute.
3,286 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Will carpal your tunnel in a minute.
3,286 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
Which part of Australia are you moving to?
I can only speak for the state of Victoria, but I have reviewed the prohibited weapons list and staves do not come under the prohibted weapons act, so you won't be booked for being seen with them in public. However, as Pyrolific said if you intimidate others with it then there may be grounds for punishment.
We have had authorities drive past the Melbourne gatherings on Sundays and we share a nod and a friendly wave with them. On occasion they have chatted with us and watched us practice.
But breathe easy
Just be safe, approachable and use discretion if a public area you decide to twirl in is going to draw unsavoury attention or possibly aggravate people around you
Which part of Australia are you moving to?
I can only speak for the state of Victoria, but I have reviewed the prohibited weapons list and staves do not come under the prohibted weapons act, so you won't be booked for being seen with them in public. However, as Pyrolific said if you intimidate others with it then there may be grounds for punishment.
We have had authorities drive past the Melbourne gatherings on Sundays and we share a nod and a friendly wave with them. On occasion they have chatted with us and watched us practice.
But breathe easy
Just be safe, approachable and use discretion if a public area you decide to twirl in is going to draw unsavoury attention or possibly aggravate people around you ॐ
Owner of burningoftheclavey
Owned by Lost83spy
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
I'd be very surprised if you'd get in trouble for practicing with a staff anywhere in the world (but New York City Central Park - and even there), as long as you have no cutting edge on any side of it and don't pose an immediate threat to anyone.
A Bo staff pretty much looks like an ordinary firestaff (at least what I've seen on the net)...
You can't take it in your carry on, but it's nowhere on the prohibited items list - if you want to be sure - like: sure then you should just walk into the next police station and actively speak to the officer in charge - same applies if you happen to spott a cop in the park while practicing.
I found that cops respond well to an open approach and getting treated like ordinary human beings - just with a little more respect, because they are doing what they do...
Even if you would practice "hardcore" (Kia-i included) - most people do figure what you're doing there and are rather curious. Most (to my guess) will regard it as a curiosity and entertainment... This is only from my personal experience - no legal advice.
I'd be very surprised if you'd get in trouble for practicing with a staff anywhere in the world (but New York City Central Park - and even there), as long as you have no cutting edge on any side of it and don't pose an immediate threat to anyone.
A Bo staff pretty much looks like an ordinary firestaff (at least what I've seen on the net)...
You can't take it in your carry on, but it's nowhere on the prohibited items list - if you want to be sure - like: sure then you should just walk into the next police station and actively speak to the officer in charge - same applies if you happen to spott a cop in the park while practicing.
I found that cops respond well to an open approach and getting treated like ordinary human beings - just with a little more respect, because they are doing what they do...
Even if you would practice "hardcore" (Kia-i included) - most people do figure what you're doing there and are rather curious. Most (to my guess) will regard it as a curiosity and entertainment... This is only from my personal experience - no legal advice.
the best smiles are the ones you lead to 
stranger
12 posts
12 posts
Posted:
I'll be moving to Sydney.
I'll be moving to Sydney.
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
Originally Posted By: benderhey pogo69,
If i don't get booked by a police officer when i jaywalk right in front of them, that discretion does not necessarily mean that it is legal to jaywalk - it's simply that that officer was not in the mood to enforce that law.
i've been threatened with a ticket twice for jay walking. i guess its cause both times i just looked left and right, crossed, and they were standing on the other side waiting for the lights
Originally Posted By: benderhey pogo69,
If i don't get booked by a police officer when i jaywalk right in front of them, that discretion does not necessarily mean that it is legal to jaywalk - it's simply that that officer was not in the mood to enforce that law.
i've been threatened with a ticket twice for jay walking. i guess its cause both times i just looked left and right, crossed, and they were standing on the other side waiting for the lights
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
I do have the greatest respect for Jaywalkers not ready to have my life determined by a traffic light when self-responsibility gets me to the other side safe and sound...
I do have the greatest respect for Jaywalkers
not ready to have my life determined by a traffic light when self-responsibility gets me to the other side safe and sound... the best smiles are the ones you lead to
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
thats a nice way to put it tom
thats a nice way to put it tom
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
addict
489 posts
Location: Perth
489 posts
Location: Perth
Posted:
https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/summar...22&nohits=y
hope this helps!
I have nunchuka and as long as you have them for "business" or legitimate reasons (i.e. fire troupe) then it's fine.
And staffs aren't on prohibited weapon lists.
https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/summar...22&nohits=y
hope this helps!
I have nunchuka and as long as you have them for "business" or legitimate reasons (i.e. fire troupe) then it's fine.
And staffs aren't on prohibited weapon lists.
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
Posted:
There's no reason why not, though beware of the fire ban thing - it means TOTAL fire ban (including your garden and any private place). If you have black wicks they might ask a few questions about the possibility of you lighting them, so have a staff with fresh wicks for practise (I have one, but it's 'cause I'm too crap to light it)
There's no reason why not, though beware of the fire ban thing - it means TOTAL fire ban (including your garden and any private place). If you have black wicks they might ask a few questions about the possibility of you lighting them, so have a staff with fresh wicks for practise (I have one, but it's 'cause I'm too crap to light it)
There is a slight possibility that I am not actually right all of the time.
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
We are nervous of guns, not fire staffs.
We are nervous of guns, not fire staffs.
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
yup yup, guns fire, fire doesnt gun :loco:
yup yup, guns fire, fire doesnt gun :loco:
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
BRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
1,872 posts
Location: Canada
Pooh-Bah
1,872 posts
Location: Canada
Posted:
One thing I did to make my staff look less like a weapon was to paint it in bright colours...that way it looks more like a circus toy or dance prop and it stopped those martial arts guys stopping, judging my style, then announcing "I kick your ass"
One thing I did to make my staff look less like a weapon was to paint it in bright colours...that way it looks more like a circus toy or dance prop and it stopped those martial arts guys stopping, judging my style, then announcing "I kick your ass"
SILVER Member
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Posted:
Originally Posted By: FireTomI do have the greatest respect for Jaywalkers not ready to have my life determined by a traffic light when self-responsibility gets me to the other side safe and sound...
hear hear Tom
Originally Posted By: FireTomI do have the greatest respect for Jaywalkers
not ready to have my life determined by a traffic light when self-responsibility gets me to the other side safe and sound... hear hear Tom
PLATINUM Member
Woodford is Goodford..!
241 posts
Location: Sydney at heart., Australia
Woodford is Goodford..!
241 posts
Location: Sydney at heart., Australia
Posted:
Originally Posted By: LextalionisI'll be moving to Sydney.
wooo yeah! recruit!
be my friend!
Sydney spin scene [and alliteration] RIGHT HERE BABY
WEVE GOT THE MOVES..
owwwwwh yeeeeah NEW PUN!
Originally Posted By: LextalionisI'll be moving to Sydney.
wooo yeah! recruit!
be my friend!
Sydney spin scene [and alliteration] RIGHT HERE BABY
WEVE GOT THE MOVES..
owwwwwh yeeeeah NEW PUN!
'FREE HUGGIES!!'
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