Overview
- From September 1, machetes are classified as prohibited weapons in Victoria, making it illegal to own, use, carry, transport or sell them without an exemption or approval.
- Breaches of the new law can result in up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of more than $47,000.
- A surrender amnesty runs until November 30, with secure disposal bins at over 40 police stations allowing hand‑ins without penalty.
- Exemptions cover legitimate work uses such as agricultural duties and machetes with genuine traditional, historical or cultural significance.
- The ban follows high-profile machete incidents and a sales freeze, with police reporting 14,805 edged weapons seized in 2024 and 8,900 more by July alongside hundreds of retail and market inspections.