The Victorian Government has announced a machete amnesty in preparation for a statewide ban set to take effect in September 2023. The newly enforced regulations will make it illegal to own, carry, or purchase a machete without a proper permit, with offenders facing substantial penalties of up to two years in prison or fines exceeding $47,000.
From September 1 to November 30, citizens will have the opportunity to surrender their machetes without fear of prosecution. There will be 40 designated disposal bins located at police stations across the state for this purpose. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the government’s commitment to combating knife crime, stating, “These knives destroy lives – so we’re taking them off the streets.” She underscored the community’s zero tolerance for such offences and highlighted the aim of enhancing public safety.
While the new laws are strict, there are exceptions for those who use machetes for agricultural work or assert that their use is rooted in traditional, historical, or cultural practices. This initiative follows an interim sales ban on machetes that was introduced earlier in May, indicating the government’s proactive stance on this issue.
Overall, this amnesty and subsequent ban reflect a concerted effort by the Victorian Government to improve community safety and reduce incidents related to knife crime.