Following the violent incident that occured at a major shopping centre in Melbourne’s north over the weekend, the Allan Labor Government announced on Monday (26 May) its decision to bring forward the ban on machete sales in Victoria.
Announced on Monday by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan alongside Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos, the accelerated ban will prohibit the sale of machetes from 12:00 noon on Wednesday 28 May under interim consumer law powers.
A legislated ban on possession will follow from 1 September, when machetes will be classified as a prohibited weapon.
“In Victoria, community safety comes first. We must never let places we meet become places we fear,” Premier Allan said.Â
Minister Carbines added: “The community shouldn’t have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres.”
‘A sensible and timely response’
Welcoming the accelerated ban, Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) Chief Executive Angus Nardi said the decision is a sensible and timely response to increasing reports of weapons being used to threaten and intimidate community members.
“The shopping centre industry welcomes Victorian Premier Allen’s decision to bring forward the ban on the sale of machetes,” Mr Nardi said.
“Any sensible proposal which seeks to remove dangerous weapons including machetes and knives which could be used to threaten, intimidate or harm people is a welcome step.”
Referring to the recent incident at Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre, Mr Nardi said such events are “a reminder about the harm and fear dangerous weapons can cause”.
“Such weapons have no place in public places,” he said.
“We will work with the Victorian Government to help ensure these measures are implemented effectively.”
