Machetes have been banned in Victoria, following a clash involving the weapons that led to a lockdown at the Northland shopping centre.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the government will use extraordinary powers to fast-track the ban, which will remain in place until a permanent law takes effect on 1 September.
Allan emphasized community safety and expressed the government’s commitment to getting machetes off the streets, out of shops, and out of lives.
The incident at Northland was described as “appalling” and “unfathomable,” as it disrupted families and retail workers.
Additionally, an incident in South Melbourne occurred where police officers were arresting a man with a machete when a vehicle struck one of the officers, pinning him against a wall. The officer fired at the vehicle, killing the female driver.
Although the government first announced plans to ban machetes in March, Victoria police advised for a six-month implementation period. However, the government deemed this timeframe as not acceptable.
The ban on machetes is the first of its kind in Australia, following the United Kingdom’s 18-month ban. There will be no exemptions during the interim ban, as it also classifies machetes as prohibited weapons in Victoria.
There will be an amnesty period from 1 September to 30 November, allowing Victorians to safely surrender machetes at designated police stations without penalties. After the amnesty, anyone found in possession of a machete could face up to two years in prison or fines exceeding $47,000.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/26/victoria-to-immediately-ban-machete-sales-after-shopping-centre-clash
