Victoria is set to make history as the first Australian state to ban machetes, with the Allan Government announcing sweeping changes to curb knife crime.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Police Anthony Carbines, alongside Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent, revealed the crackdown, which includes not just outlawing machetes but also granting police stronger powers to search for weapons.
From 1 September 2025, machetes will be classified as prohibited weapons, meaning their sale and possession will be illegal. Victoria will get it done in six months, compared to the UK’s 18-month timeline for similar reforms.
There will be exemptions for those in agriculture or hunting, but they’ll need approval. The government will consult with industry on the framework, ensuring a clear definition of what constitutes a machete. Kitchen knives are not expected to be affected.
A three-month amnesty from 1 September to 30 November 2025 will allow people to surrender machetes without facing penalties. Secure disposal bins at select police stations will be available for safe drop-offs.
Anyone caught in possession of a machete after the ban takes effect could face up to two years in prison or a fine exceeding $47,000. The Premier is already urging major retailers to stop ordering stock. Discussions with the Federal Government will also explore a nationwide ban and tighter controls at the border.
Police search powers are also being expanded. Currently, designated search areas—such as train stations and shopping centres—are declared for only 12 hours at a time, limiting their effectiveness. A proposed amendment will extend these declarations for up to six months, allowing police to act on intelligence and keep high-risk locations under close watch.
Victoria’s bail laws are also getting tougher. Repeat offenders will face stricter conditions, with controlled and prohibited weapons offences—including machete-related violence—covered under the changes. The laws will also apply to everyday objects used as weapons, such as baseball bats, kitchen knives, and improvised shivs.
Premier Allan made her stance clear: “Machetes are destroying lives, so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can’t become the places we fear.”
“I am listening and I am acting, with Australia’s toughest bail laws and Australia’s first machete ban.”
Under her government, safety takes priority, and those breaking the law will face real consequences.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines reinforced the urgency: “This is Australia’s first machete ban, and we agree with police that it must be done once and done right. It took the UK 18 months—we can do it in six.”
With Victoria leading the charge, the push for tougher knife laws may soon extend beyond state borders.
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🌟Victoria becomes the first Australian state to #ban #machetes, effective 1 September 2025. 🚫The crackdown includes stricter bail laws & expanded police search powers. 💬How can we curb #knifecrime? 🔪#TheIndianSun😊https://t.co/G3IuJfCp6Z
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