Scrap Metal Dealers Bill

13 November 2025

I rise today to speak in support of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill 2025. This is an important piece of legislation that responds to issues that are growing across South Australia—issues that are affecting ordinary Australians, local businesses, sporting clubs and, in fact, entire communities. Metal theft is not a new problem, but the scale and disruption we are now seeing requires a modern and balanced response. The bill before us has been carefully designed to reduce opportunistic theft, protect our communities and remove the incentives that currently encourage our criminal activity. It will also bring South Australia in line with other countries and other states that already regulate this industry.

At the moment, the scrap metal industry in South Australia is entirely unregulated. We know that most businesses in the sector do the right thing, but the lack of a clear framework creates gaps that criminal groups are more than willing to exploit. It is already a crime to steal metal—that is very clear under existing law—yet the existence of an unregulated market gives offenders confidence that they can steal copper piping, cabling, catalytic converters and other valuable metals, then dispose of them with little risk of being detected. The result is significant community disruption. It is also incredibly costly. The Master Builders Association of South Australia estimates the cost of metal theft to the building and construction industry alone to be more than $70 million each year. This does not include the impact on individuals, households or public services.

Many of us in the chamber will have spoken with residents who have been directly affected. Metal theft is no longer a hidden crime; it is quite visible in many suburbs, and it is causing real distress. To give a local example, earlier this year my neighbour, Sam, had the catalytic converter stolen from his car, and the damage to the front end of his car was obvious and significant. As many members would know, catalytic converters contain valuable metals and can be sold quickly for cash. This kind of theft is becoming more common. It is quick, it is targeted and it leaves ordinary people with costly repairs and major inconvenience.

Another example was brought to the attention of my office by one of my constituents, Kim. His neighbour was building a new home. When they arrived at the site one morning, they found that all of the newly installed copper piping had been stolen. Offenders had even removed the copper from the gas hot water system and, in doing so, they caused a gas leak that created a serious safety risk, not only for the property but also for the local area. This incident shows how far some offenders will go when the perceived reward outweighs the perceived risk. I wrote to Minister Boyer on that, adding my voice to the need for something to be done.