Victoria has enacted a ban on the ownership, use, carrying, transportation, and sale of machetes, imposing severe penalties for violations. The law, which took effect on November 6, 2023, allows for a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a fine exceeding $47,000. This legislative measure follows a violent incident at the Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne, where a confrontation between rival gangs instigated panic among shoppers.
To facilitate compliance, Police Minister Anthony Carbines has launched a three-month amnesty program, encouraging residents to surrender machetes without facing penalties. The amnesty will run until November 30, 2023, and over 40 disposal bins have been placed at police stations across Victoria for safe and anonymous hand-ins. “We encourage all Victorians to play their part to dry up the supply of machetes in our community,” said Mr. Carbines during a press briefing.
Details of the Machete Ban
The newly implemented laws represent some of the most stringent regulations on edged weapons in Australia. Similar legislation was introduced in South Australia in July, targeting both machetes and swords. In Victoria alone, police have seized 14,805 edged weapons in 2024, with an additional 8,900 confiscated between January and July.
To ensure effective monitoring, authorities have conducted extensive inspections. Since May, a task force has completed 573 inspections of both in-store and online sales, as well as 2,400 checks at market stalls. These efforts have revealed a high level of compliance with the new sales ban.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has emphasized the importance of community involvement, particularly urging parents to surrender any machetes owned by their children. “Children account for 25 percent of knife-crime offenders in Victoria,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for action to curb violence.
Exemptions to the ban apply for agricultural workers who utilize machetes as part of their work, as well as for machetes that hold genuine traditional, historical, or cultural significance. These allowances aim to balance safety with cultural practices and professional needs.
As the deadline for the amnesty approaches, authorities remain focused on reducing the presence of machetes within communities, reinforcing the message that compliance is essential for public safety.
