From tomorrow, machetes will be completely banned in Victoria and the amnesty campaign to get them off our streets begins - keeping more Victorians safe from these weapons.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines today visited Heidelberg Police Station to remind Victorians of the machete ban and amnesty period.
During the amnesty period from 1 September to 30 November 2025, people can surrender machetes safely and anonymously at safe disposal bins located outside more than 40 designated 24/7 police stations across the state.
From tomorrow owning, carrying, using, buying or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval is an offence, with penalties including up to two years imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.
Exemptions apply for specific use, including for agricultural workers who use machetes as part of their job and for machetes that have a genuine traditional, historical, or cultural significance.
To choke the supply of machetes, the Allan Labor Government ordered them off shelves with an interim sales ban announced in May. This led to several retailers removing them from sale across the country.
Since then, Consumer Affairs' Machete Taskforce has completed 573 in-store and online inspections, as well as 2,400 market stall inspections. The Taskforce found very high rates of compliance - drying up the supply ahead of the ban tomorrow.
The machete ban builds on the Labor Government's tough new laws to crack down on repeat serious offenders and knife crime.
This includes strengthening the bail test for knife offences and increased stop-and-search powers for Victoria Police - helping them seize a record number of weapons off our streets.
This month new post and boast laws came into effect and further bail changes passed Parliament that will make it nearly impossible for serious repeat offenders to get bail.
Further details on exemptions and the locations of the disposal are available at vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty.
As stated by Minister for Police Anthony Carbines
"From tomorrow, machetes are banned in Victoria and anyone carrying a machete will face tough consequences."
"This is just one of the many new laws that we're implementing to back the work of Victoria Police, including Australia's toughest bail test."
As stated by Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos
"Our Machete Taskforce has been diligent and effective in drying up in-store and online machete sales in Victoria through proactive monitoring of the market, physical inspections and responding to tip-offs."
