Possessing a Machete in Australia Can Lead to Jail and Fines

Melbourne, August 5—In the Australian state of Victoria, possession of a machete will now be considered a criminal offense.

The state government has recently imposed a complete ban on the ownership, sale, and use of machetes, which will come into effect from September 1.

Authorities claim this decision has been made to combat the rising trend of violent crimes in the state.

According to the government’s directive, anyone found in possession of a machete after November 30 without proper authorization could face up to two years in prison and a fine of over 30,000 Australian dollars.

In a joint statement, Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines stated that over 40 weapon surrender bins have already been installed across the state, most of them outside police stations in high-crime areas.

However, individuals who use machetes for agricultural, cultural, or traditional purposes may receive exemptions if they can provide appropriate evidence to the police.

This strict measure follows an increase in youth crime and gang-related violence. Victoria Police reported that in 2025, an average of 44 illegal bladed weapons were seized every day.

According to official statistics, since 2014, the rate of knife attacks in shopping centers has risen by 161%.

Although youths aged 10 to 17 make up 13% of total offenders in the state, they are responsible for 63% of robberies, 46% of aggravated burglaries, and over one-fourth of car thefts, the data shows.

However, some residents of Victoria have criticized this ban.

Many on social media have questioned whether simply dropping machetes in bins will stop the violence. Others have accused the government of failing to address root causes—such as immigration-related challenges and the criminal activities of young African gang members.

Premier Allan, however, has repeatedly responded to these criticisms by celebrating the state’s multicultural diversity.