Overview
- The Victorian government has announced an Australia-first ban on machete sales starting May 28, 2025, in response to recent violence in Melbourne.
- The ban follows two major incidents over the weekend, including a fatal police shooting in South Melbourne and a machete brawl at Northland Shopping Centre.
- A task force will be established to ensure compliance, with penalties for non-compliance including fines exceeding $200,000 and possible imprisonment.
- Machetes are defined under the ban as cutting-edge knives with blades over 20cm, excluding kitchen knives, and retailers are advised to store excess stock securely.
- An amnesty period beginning September 1, 2025, will allow for the safe surrender of machetes as they become officially classified as prohibited weapons.