The Victorian State Government is bringing forward a machete ban following an incident at a Melbourne shopping mall on the weekend.
The government had announced a ban in mid-March that was to take effect from September 1, 2025. However, following a gang brawl at Northland Shopping Centre on Sunday, Premier Jacinta Allan said the sale of machetes would be banned from Wednesday, May 28, ahead of a legislated ban on possession of machetes, which comes into effect on September 1.
“These knives are dangerous weapons, they have no place on our streets anywhere and that is why I will introduce as many laws as it takes to get these dangerous knives off the streets,” Allan said.
“When the incident yesterday occurred, and the minister and I had discussions yesterday, and we were briefed that we have these powers to bring about choking the supply immediately.”
The incident resulted in the arrest of two teenage boys. They were charged with affray, intentionally causing injury and possession and use of a controlled weapon.
Retailers have been told to remove machetes from sale. An amnesty is due to run between September 1 and November 30, when they can be surrendered at police stations. Retailers have been told to store them until then.
After the amnesty ends, anyone found in possession of a machete could face up to two years in prison or fines exceeding AUD47,000.
