Australia: Victoria state bans machete to reduce knife crime

Victoria is becoming the first Australian state to impose such a ban.

In her X post, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan wrote: "There's no place for machetes like these on our streets."

"That's why I've announced Australia's first machete ban here in Victoria," she said.

She said: "Together with our tough bail laws, we're putting community safety above all - to keep Victorians safe."

The ban, once imposed from September 1,  will classify machetes as prohibited weapons.

Those caught with a machete will face penalties, including up to two years in jail or a fine exceeding $47,000, reported 9 News.

Those involved with hunting and farming will need to obtain an exemption under the new changes.

An amnesty will be run from September 1 to November 30 that will allow people to dispose of weapons in safe locations.

Allan told 9 News: "Machetes are destroying lives so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can't become the places we fear."

"I am listening and I am acting, with Australia's toughest bail laws and Australia's first machete ban," she said.

"Under my government, community safety comes first and there are consequences for breaking the rules," she said.

Following the imposition of new rules, police will be granted expanded powers to search for weapons for longer periods.

Keep Victorians Safe

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said police will be given all provisions to keep Victoria safe.

"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,"  Carbines said.

The United Kingdom recently introduced a new law that made it difficult for young people in the country to purchase knives online.