BALLARAT does not have the problem that Melbourne does with the illegal carrying of knives, according to local police, however new laws aimed to change a growing "knife culture" will still be welcomed here.

Under the new laws, police will be able to conduct random searches in designated areas and issue on-the-spot fines of up to $2000 to anyone found to be carrying a knife.

Minors will be banned from purchasing any sort of knife.

Premier John Brumby acknowledged the laws were a reversal of the "innocent until proven guilty" principle and would be considered "invasive" by some.

Most members of the public, however, will likely overlook the civil liberties arguments that will be mounted in favour of the right of everyone to live without fear of a knife attack.

Knives, like guns, become a risk purely through their presence. Carrying a knife without a valid reason (and self-defence is not a valid reason) is simply asking for trouble, particularly in areas where alcohol is consumed in quantity.

If the police are right and Ballarat does not have the "knife culture" that appears to have penetrated Melbourne, it is to be hoped these tougher laws will prevent us developing one.

Fev was never the right man for the job

THE AFL has reportedly pulled Brendan Fevola from an advertisement designed to promote the game in Queensland.

What beggars belief is that anyone thought it was appropriate to have him in the commercial in the first place.

If the AFL was serious about cracking down on players who bring the game into disrepute - and Fevola has done this on many occasions - they would not ask them to front television commercials.

Likewise, if it wants the public to believe it abhors anything but respectful conduct towards women, it needs to play hardball with players who step out of line.

Choosing to use Fevola in this campaign does not stand true to either of those espoused values.