In short:
Victoria’s machete ban begins 1 September, with amnesty bins available at police stations across Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit and all other suburbs. Residents are urged to surrender machetes before 30 November or face prison or fines exceeding $47,000.
Victoria’s machete crackdown takes full effect from 1 September, with strict penalties for possession, sale or use without exemption. The Labor Government has confirmed that machetes will be outlawed unless individuals have valid approval under new legislation aimed at curbing violent crime.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines visited Melbourne West Police Station to unveil the first machete safe disposal bin and announce the statewide rollout. More than 40 disposal bins will be installed at police stations across Victoria, including Werribee, and available 24/7 throughout a three-month amnesty period from 1 September to 30 November.
The heavy-duty bins are designed for safety and security, standing 900mm tall and 1200mm wide, with a concrete base to prevent tampering.
The government has launched a public awareness campaign urging Victorians to hand in machetes or face penalties of up to two years in prison or fines exceeding $47,000.
Exemptions will apply to agricultural workers and those using machetes in a traditional, cultural or historical context, but all exemptions must meet strict conditions and be proven upon request.
An interim ban on machete sales introduced in May prompted Amazon to remove listings nationwide. Consumer Affairs Victoria has since inspected more than 470 retailers, with just seven stores and one market vendor found to be in breach.
The machete ban is part of the Labor Government’s broader push to tackle knife-related crime, with recent reforms including tougher bail conditions and expanded police stop-and-search powers.
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