The Allan Labor Government should make banning machetes a priority when Parliament resumes next week.
The safety of Victorians cannot continue to be compromised because the Government is more focussed on protecting its political pride than protecting Victorians.
Another weekend of violence has resulted in a man losing his hand and a 17-year-old fighting for his life, in what has become the norm in Victoria under the Allan Labor Government.
Premier Jacinta Allan has ignored repeated calls from the Liberals and Nationals to bring forward the machete ban. Despite repeated warnings, the Allan Labor Government has failed to act swiftly to ban the sale and possession of these weapons. The much-touted machete ban has been too slow, too soft
and is doing nothing to stop the spread of these deadly weapons.
The Government must swallow its political pride and bring machete ban legislation to Parliament when it resumes next week.
Since February, there have been eleven machete-related attacks reported in the media. How many more have occurred that didn't make headlines?
This violence is no longer isolated - it's becoming alarmingly common. The delay in the machete ban is costing lives and putting our community at risk
Under Labor, crime is spiralling out of control in Victoria. The crime rate is up 18 per cent, with an offence committed every 50.3 seconds.
Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick said: "This is the latest in a string of brutal machete attacks that Victorians have been forced to endure. If protecting lives is a government priority it will bring machete ban laws to Parliament next week.
"No more delays. After promising a ban on these knives, Victorians shouldn't have to wait another month and a half while these dangerous weapons remain on the streets. These laws must be brought in immediately."
"These violent knife crimes are happening while the Allan Labor Government has cut the police budget and left us 1,100 officers short.
"The Liberals and Nationals' will restore police funding, get more police on the streets, and ensure those who break bail, face jail.
"By ensuring criminals face justice and by supporting victims, we will restore community safety.
"The Liberals' and Nationals' have a plan to keep you and your family safe."