Extraordinary powers will be used to implement a total ban on the sale of machetes from 12:00 noon on Wednesday, following a violent gang-related brawl involving machetes at Northland Shopping Centre.
Premier Jacinta Allan today joined Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos to announce the landmark measures to address community safety concerns and reduce the circulation of dangerous knives.
Interim Ban on Sales from 28 May
From 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 28 May, the sale of machetes will be banned across Victoria under Commonwealth consumer law provisions, marking the first such ban in Australia.
The interim ban—a temporary measure under federal consumer regulations—will remain in effect until 1 September, when a legislated ban on both the sale and possession of machetes comes into force.
Once the interim ban is in place, suppliers—including retailers—must not sell machetes or hold them with the intent to sell. Any breach of the ban may constitute a criminal offence.
Machetes are defined as edged knives with a blade longer than 20 centimetres. This definition excludes knives primarily used in kitchens.
The interim ban is intended to reduce the availability of machetes in the lead-up to the full possession ban. There will be no exemptions during the interim period, even for those who may later qualify for an exemption under the forthcoming legislation.
The Government acknowledges that the interim ban may inconvenience some legitimate users, but prioritises public safety above all.
Retailers are advised to safely store remaining stock until the disposal, amnesty and exemption schemes commence on 1 September.
The Government thanks retailers who have already acted on the Premier’s 13 March call to cease ordering machetes and appreciates their cooperation in implementing the interim ban.
Full Prohibition from 1 September
Following a record number of knife seizures in 2024, the Control of Weapons Act was amended on 19 March to prohibit the sale and possession of machetes in Victoria.
From 1 September 2025, machetes will be classified as prohibited weapons—the most strictly regulated category under Victorian law. Offenders risk up to two years’ imprisonment or fines exceeding $47,000.
Exemptions will be available for legitimate purposes, such as agriculture, through a formal application process. The Government is consulting with industry stakeholders on the framework for exemptions.
An amnesty will also run from 1 September to 30 November 2025, allowing Victorians to dispose of machetes without penalty. Secure disposal bins will be placed in outdoor areas at selected police stations.
This ban complements broader efforts to tackle knife-related violence, including Australia’s toughest bail laws and expanded police powers for random knife searches.
Incident at Northland Shopping Centre
On Sunday afternoon, a pre-arranged altercation between rival gangs erupted in the food court of Northland Shopping Centre in Preston. The confrontation involved individuals armed with machetes and knives, resulting in serious injuries to a man in his 20s and widespread panic among shoppers, reports said.
Premier Allan said, “In Victoria, community safety comes first. We must never let the places we gather become places we fear. I hate these knives, and I will keep introducing as many laws as it takes to get them off our streets, out of our shops, and out of our lives.”
Minister for Police Carbines added, “The community shouldn’t be exposed to these weapons—whether in shopping centres or in their neighbourhoods.”
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