In a rapid response to a disturbing incident at a shopping center in Melbourne, Victoria has fast-tracked the nation's first-ever ban on machetes, making it illegal to sell the weapon starting Wednesday. This decision was prompted by a brutal gang clash at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, where a 20-year-old man was hospitalized following the chaos that erupted on Sunday.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan expressed the need to “choke the supply” of such weapons, emphasizing that "the community shouldn't have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres.” Two minors, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with multiple offenses, while two additional men aged 20 and 18 are now in custody as the investigation into the premeditated gang fight continues.
Deputy Commissioner David Clayton noted the rarity of such incidents but acknowledged their unnerving nature. With youth involved in one in ten knife crimes in Victoria, he highlighted that such acts often unfold in public spaces. Reports indicated that up to ten individuals participated in the brawl, necessitating emergency services' immediate response around 14:30 local time (05:30 BST).
Allan condemned the violent event, stating, "We must never let the places where we gather become places we fear." This legislation follows earlier plans announced in March, which aimed to amend the Control of Weapons Act to outlaw both the sale and possession of machetes, a measure originally set to be enforced in September but expedited due to the alarming circumstances.
The new law broadly defines machetes as knives with blades exceeding 20cm, excluding kitchen knives from the prohibition. An upcoming three-month amnesty will allow individuals to turn in machetes at police stations without consequence. Police further commended a bystander who intervened during the altercation, while urging the public to avoid getting involved in such confrontations.
In comparison, similar bans on "zombie-style" knives and machetes were implemented in England and Wales in September 2022, signaling a growing international awareness of the dangers posed by these weapons.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan expressed the need to “choke the supply” of such weapons, emphasizing that "the community shouldn't have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres.” Two minors, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with multiple offenses, while two additional men aged 20 and 18 are now in custody as the investigation into the premeditated gang fight continues.
Deputy Commissioner David Clayton noted the rarity of such incidents but acknowledged their unnerving nature. With youth involved in one in ten knife crimes in Victoria, he highlighted that such acts often unfold in public spaces. Reports indicated that up to ten individuals participated in the brawl, necessitating emergency services' immediate response around 14:30 local time (05:30 BST).
Allan condemned the violent event, stating, "We must never let the places where we gather become places we fear." This legislation follows earlier plans announced in March, which aimed to amend the Control of Weapons Act to outlaw both the sale and possession of machetes, a measure originally set to be enforced in September but expedited due to the alarming circumstances.
The new law broadly defines machetes as knives with blades exceeding 20cm, excluding kitchen knives from the prohibition. An upcoming three-month amnesty will allow individuals to turn in machetes at police stations without consequence. Police further commended a bystander who intervened during the altercation, while urging the public to avoid getting involved in such confrontations.
In comparison, similar bans on "zombie-style" knives and machetes were implemented in England and Wales in September 2022, signaling a growing international awareness of the dangers posed by these weapons.
