Most countries have way different laws then the US, they work in completely different ways, it's not just about banning specific items. it's mostly about intent.
The intent is what makes it banned at that point.. I reckon the same in Australia
So the law only bans things that are outright illegal.. Pepper Spray, fire arms, tazers, things you cannot have a lawful reason to own and use.
Possession of any of those, found no matter what situation.. is illegal.
So pepper spray in most of Europe either.. or tazers
But anything not specifically mentioned CAN and will get you charged with illegal possession of a weapons,
IF the context and/or intent is there to use it as a weapon. Even if not mentioned specifically in the law.
Think of it this way.
You out in the bush, trekking, camping, sure you can have a knife on you, it's something you need out there.
Fair play Mick, that's a nice Knoif
Or you are out clubbing... on a saturday night in a big city
Bad Mick, what you doing with that knoif in this pub
Stand against the wall and yer under arrest for posession of an illegal weapon
Huge Chef knife, well you cannot ban those can ya
Every butcher or chef or even house wife needs a big knife to carve up the roast beef.
But you can't carry em around on your person at will and then simply state, "but I was planning to carve me up a chicken later this evening"
Doesn't even have to be a knife.. a Tire Iron is fine if you are in a garage.. But expect cops will give you a hard time carrying a tire iron when you are out on a protest march carrying a tire iron.
The reverse also works..
an Auto Sear for an M16... You can't have that in the US.. Can't own it, full stop (NFA stamp is exception to that)
Well, here in Belgium, Germany as well (not UK).. I CAN own one.. because it doesn't do anything. I can at best poke somebodies eye out with it, by throwing it at em.
here, the thing they ban/regulate, is the receiver ,the barrel and more recently the magazines.
But if you happen to own an AR15.. Then that Auto Sear becomes a problem Because somebody with intent can just install it and presto select fire AR.
You really don't want a knowledgeable cop to see an auto sear in your gun safe next to an AR 15.
I'll admit.. chances of getting caught are near to non existent.. and the punishments aren't as bad for simple possession of an NFA sear as would in the US (federal crime).. But obviously ,any violation can result in permits being revoked.. so that would suck to the legal gun owner.