From tomorrow, machetes will be banned in Victoria under new laws aimed at reducing knife-related violence, with an amnesty period beginning to allow people to surrender them safely.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines visited Heidelberg Police Station today to highlight the change and remind Victorians of the penalties. During the amnesty, which runs from 1 September to 30 November, people can drop off machetes anonymously at disposal bins outside more than 40 designated police stations operating around the clock.
Possessing, carrying, using, buying or selling a machete without exemption will become an offence, with penalties of up to two years in prison or fines exceeding $47,000. The rules make allowances for agricultural workers who rely on machetes for their jobs, as well as items with genuine cultural, historical or traditional value.
The Allan Government had already acted to cut supply by imposing an interim sales ban in May, forcing retailers to take machetes off shelves across the country. Since then, Consumer Affairs’ Machete Taskforce has carried out 573 in-store and online checks and inspected 2,400 market stalls, reporting high compliance and limited availability ahead of the full ban.
The crackdown forms part of a wider effort to deal with violent offences. The Government has toughened bail tests for knife crimes and expanded stop-and-search powers, which police say has helped them seize record numbers of weapons. This month saw new “post and boast” laws take effect, with further bail changes making it harder for repeat offenders to be released.
Mr Carbines said the changes were clear. “From tomorrow, machetes are banned in Victoria and anyone carrying a machete will face tough consequences,” he said. “This is just one of the many new laws that we’re implementing to back the work of Victoria Police, including Australia’s toughest bail test.”
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the taskforce had been central to preparing for the new restrictions. “Our Machete Taskforce has been diligent and effective in drying up in-store and online machete sales in Victoria through proactive monitoring of the market, physical inspections and responding to tip-offs,” he said.
Details on exemptions and disposal locations are available at vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty.
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