Victoria has announced a comprehensive crackdown on knife crime, introducing Australia’s first statewide ban on machetes and long knives.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the ban aims to “reduce the number of potentially lethal weapons” on the streets.
The legislation, effective from September 1, 2025, classifies machetes as prohibited weapons. Penalties for possession include fines exceeding $47,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
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An amnesty period from September 1 to November 30 allows individuals to surrender machetes without penalty.
Exemptions will be available for legitimate uses such as agriculture and hunting.
“It is absolutely clear to me and the Victorian community the current laws are not just not meeting community expectation, they are not dealing with this repeat pattern of offending we are seeing across our community,” Ms Allan said.
The initiative responds to community concerns following several violent incidents involving machetes, including the recent fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Natan Mwanza.
However, the proposed measures have faced criticism from human rights and youth advocates.
They argue that expanded police search powers could lead to increased racial profiling, making young people feeling disconnected from the community.
Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services, expressed concern that such measures might “increase young people’s sense of alienation and not being valued”.
Experts are also debating the effectiveness of banning machetes in reducing overall knife-related violence.
Dr Vince Hurley, a criminology lecturer, noted that “if the governments were serious around Australia about the amnesty for bladed instruments or sharp object weapons, then they would pay” to encourage voluntary surrender.
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