Victoria Bans Sale of Machetes Following Shopping Centre Violence

Responding to a violent clash involving machetes at a Melbourne shopping centre, Victoria fast-tracks legislation banning the sale of the weapon, with the ban taking effect this Wednesday. Officials emphasize the urgency to protect public safety and address gang violence.

In a swift reaction to a violent altercation in a shopping centre in Preston, Victoria has expedited the nation’s first ban on the sale of machetes, making them illegal in the state starting Wednesday. The decision was catalyzed by a confrontation between rival gangs at the Northland shopping centre on Sunday, during which two individuals were seriously injured, including a 20-year-old man who is currently hospitalized.

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, emphasized the necessity of restricting access to dangerous weapons, stating, “the community shouldn't have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres.” The speed of the legislative change highlights the increasing concern over public safety in the wake of gang-related violence. Initially set to take effect in September, the law now prohibits the sale of machetes—defined as knives with blades longer than 20 cm.

In the aftermath of the incident, two boys aged 16 and 15 were charged with multiple offenses, including affray and possession of a controlled weapon. Additional arrests included two men aged 20 and 18, all known to law enforcement prior to this event. Police confirmed that their investigation is ongoing, with three of the four machetes involved in the incident now seized.

Deputy Commissioner David Clayton characterized the melee as a premeditated fight between youth gangs, stressing that luckily no innocent bystanders were harmed. He acknowledged the rarity of such occurrences in Victoria, although he noted that youth involvement in knife crimes remains a concerning trend.

Premier Allan condemned the attack as “appalling” and vowed to ensure that community gathering spaces do not become arenas of fear. Reflecting on international precedents, she highlighted that the UK managed to implement a machete ban in 18 months, while Victoria is accomplishing it within just six months.

In addition to the ban, a three-month amnesty period will allow individuals to surrender machetes at designated police stations without penalty. This step aims to further reduce the number of these weapons in circulation.

The increasing incidents of gang violence and knife-related crimes are prompting urgent government action, similar to measures seen in England and Wales, where bans on specific knife types favored by criminal organizations were enacted last year. Victoria's strategy represents a proactive approach to combat the threat posed by gang-related violence while prioritizing public security.