Queensland thugs get expanded powers

*Queensland [thugs] to get expanded powers to randomly scan people for knives [with a metal detector].*

This is not as bad as the usual "stop and search", but I find it worrysome that the thugs find "other minor crimes" when they do this. What crimes, and how do they find those crimes? The finding of those other crimes could involve a more intrusive search than just waving a wand. That could be an opportunity for racial profiling to do some harm.

I am shocked by the reference to carrying knitting needles as a "crime". Lots of women used to carry knitting needles with them, and knit whenever they had a chance to sit for a while. Is knitting outside your house now illegal? Does it require a permit?