Victoria’s machete ban is now just weeks away from coming into force, with Premier Jacinta Allan announcing a statewide amnesty and warning of tough penalties for those who fail to comply.
From 1 September, owning, using, carrying, buying, or selling a machete without a clear exemption will be a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine exceeding $47,000. To ease the transition, the Victorian Government is rolling out more than 40 secure machete disposal bins across police stations, offering round-the-clock access during the three-month amnesty period.
At the launch in Melbourne West Police Station, Premier Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines made their position clear. “These knives destroy lives—so we’re taking them off the streets,” said the Premier. “Victorians have zero tolerance for knife crime and so do we.”
The heavy-duty bins, made from reinforced steel and anchored in concrete, are designed to allow for safe and anonymous disposal. A state-funded awareness campaign is now urging Victorians to rid themselves of machetes before the ban kicks in.
Certain groups will remain exempt, including agricultural workers and those using machetes for traditional, historical, or cultural purposes. Even then, individuals must meet strict criteria and prove their eligibility if stopped by police.
The crackdown follows an interim sales ban announced in May, prompting Amazon and major retailers to remove machetes from sale. Consumer Affairs Victoria followed up with inspections of more than 470 shops, identifying only a handful of breaches—seven stores and one market vendor.
This machete ban is the latest in a string of measures designed to tackle rising knife-related violence in Victoria. It follows recent reforms to bail laws, targeted stop-and-search powers, and stronger penalties for high-harm repeat offenders.
Minister Carbines said police were being given the tools and the backing they need. “We’re backing Victoria Police who work tirelessly to get these weapons out of young people’s hands and keep people safe,” he said. “Our message is simple—get rid of them or face the consequences.”
The machete amnesty runs until 30 November, and full details of bin locations are available at vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty.
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