The Victorian Government has today announced Australia’s first-ever machete ban along with a significant expansion of the state’s knife search powers.
Premier, Jacinta Allan said a record number of knives had been seized from Victorian streets in 2024. Under the changes announced by the Premier today, machetes will be classified as a prohibited weapon from 1 September.
“Machetes are destroying lives so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can’t become the places we fear,” said Premier Allan.
“I am listening and I am acting, with Australia’s toughest bail laws and Australia’s first machete ban.
“Under my Government, community safety comes first and there are consequences for breaking the rules.”
To get machetes off the streets safely, an amnesty will run from 1 September to 30 November 2025, the Premier confirmed. During that time, people will be able to safely dispose of their knives using secure bins in safe locations – which are likely to include an outdoor area at select Police stations – without committing a crime.
Machetes can be broadly described as a cutting edge knife with a blade of more than 20 centimetres. The Government says it will consult with industry on this definition before the ban starts, with kitchen knives not intended to be included.
Penalties of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of over $47,000 for being caught in possession will apply following the amnesty period.
The Government also today announced it will amend the Terrorism(Community Protection) and Control of Weapons Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Victorian Parliament, to allow for Victoria Police officers to search an area for weapons for longer.
Currently, the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police can declare a location like a train station or a shopping centre a designated search area, so police can search people for weapons (like knives) without a warrant and seize items for a period of 12 hours.
The Government will change the law to allow the Chief Commissioner to declare a location a designated search area for up to six months, instead of 12 hours.
“We’ll always give police what they need to keep Victorians safe – we’ll build on the extra powers we’ve already given them and help them search for more weapons,” said Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines.
