Consultation outcome

The South Australian Government is committed to addressing the issue of copper and other scrap metal theft in South Australia. In line with this, the Government is considering potential reform to the state’s law aiming to prevent and reduce this type of theft.

The government consulted on proposed ‘standalone’ legislation to prevent scrap metal theft to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen scrap metal. The proposed legislation focuses on providing mechanisms for the effective regulation of the scrap metal industry.

The discussion paper was published on yourSAy for a three-week public and stakeholder engagement process from 4 to 25 March 2025. The page received 975 visits, 17 comments to yourSAy and 10 written submissions.

Responses were received by community members, scrap metal and building industry members, recyclers and government agencies.

Overall, respondents were supportive of the proposed reform outlined within the discussion paper and the development of a standalone piece of legislation to prevent scrap metal theft and make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen scrap metal. The feedback provided though stakeholder correspondence and public consultation has provided insight into the elements required within any proposed scrap metal legislation and corresponding regulations to assist in tackling the theft of scrap metal.

It is anticipated further consultation will take place to ensure that any proposed legislation is fit for purpose for both scrap metal industry members and enforcement.

You can read more about the consultation in our Consultation Report.