Victoria, Australia, is implementing a statewide ban on machetes, with the goal of reducing knife-related crime by removing such weapons from circulation. The government has set up more than 40 disposal bins at police stations across the state to allow citizens to safely surrender machetes without facing penalties during the amnesty period running from September 1 to November 30. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and minimize the risk of violence, particularly among young people.
The ban, which will be enforced from September 1, will treat the possession, carrying, use, buying, or selling of machetes without a valid exemption or approval as a criminal offense. Those who fail to comply with the amnesty period may face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to two years or fines exceeding $47,000 AUD ($31,725 USD). The government has also highlighted the necessity of allowing exemptions for specific groups, such as agricultural workers and individuals who use machetes for traditional or cultural purposes, provided they adhere to strict conditions.
Victoria Police have been actively seizing illegal knives from the streets, with an average of at least 44 knives confiscated daily. The government has already taken steps to regulate the sale of machetes, including a temporary ban in May, which led to the removal of the weapons from Amazon’s website. While the initiative is primarily aimed at public safety, it also reflects the state’s broader efforts to address the rising concerns over knife crime and ensure that such weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.
The Premier, Jacinta Allan, has emphasized the importance of the measure, stating that ‘these knives destroy lives – so we’re taking them off the streets.’ Similarly, Minister for Police Anthony Carbines has stressed the necessity of removing machetes from the hands of young people to protect citizens. The program underscores the state’s commitment to combating crime and safeguarding the well-being of its residents.