Victoria to Ban Machete Possession, Penalties Include 2 Year Prison Term or $47,000 Fine

Victoria to push for national restrictions as the ban on machete starts on Sept. 1.

Victorian Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 29, 2020. AAP Image/James Ross

Victoria is set to become the first state in Australia to ban machetes, following a string of violent crimes involving the weapon.

The decision comes a week after a high-profile home invasion in Black Rock, Melbourne, on March 4, where burglars armed with machetes stole two cars while the occupants slept.

The government said it will amend the Control of Weapons Act to make machetes a prohibited weapon, effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Under the new law, anyone caught in possession of a machete will face up to two years in prison or a fine of more than $47,000.

Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the impact of machetes on public safety, stating, “Machetes are destroying lives, so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can’t become the places we fear.”

How the Ban Will Work

Machetes, defined as knives with blades longer than 20 centimetres, will be targeted by the ban. However, the government will consult with industry groups to clarify the definition, ensuring essential tools such as kitchen knives are excluded.

Exemptions will be granted for those who use machetes for legitimate purposes, such as farming and hunting. These individuals must apply for permission, with further consultations to refine the process.

To remove machetes from the streets, the government will run an amnesty from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2025. During this period, people can safely dispose of their machetes in secure bins located at police stations without fear of prosecution.

Premier Allan has also called on retailers to halt new machete orders immediately. The state government will also write to the Federal Government to discuss action on machete imports and explore a national ban.

New Police Powers to Fight Knife Crime in Victoria

The machete ban is part of a broader crackdown on violent crime in Victoria. Alongside the ban, the government will extend police powers to combat knife crime.

The Terrorism (Community Protection) and Control of Weapons Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, will be amended to allow police to declare designated search areas for up to six months, up from the current 12-hour limit.

This change will give police greater flexibility to act on intelligence about potential threats in public areas like shopping centres and transport hubs.

In a related move, the Victorian government has introduced stricter bail laws for repeat offenders caught with weapons, including machetes. Officials say the tougher laws aim to reduce reoffending and ensure harsher consequences for those caught carrying prohibited weapons.

A Response to Rising Crime

The crackdown on machetes and knife crime comes as Victoria grapples with rising crime rates.

According to police data for the year ending September 2024, overall offences rose by 13.4 percent to 578,762 offences.

Among the key contributors are 68,042 car thefts, including stolen number plates and power tools. Retail theft has also risen sharply, driven by inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

These new measures are seen as a necessary step in addressing public safety concerns and curbing violent crime in Victoria.