Fate of Victoria's infamous machete bins revealed
The fate of Victoria's infamous machete bins has been revealed ahead of the end of the three-month amnesty period.
Forty-five machete safe disposal bins set up outside police stations across the state will be recycled when the three-month amnesty period comes to a close on Sunday.
The $13 million project was quickly rubbished by the opposition when it was unveiled in July.
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The bins were rolled out at police stations across Victoria for a three-month amnesty period. Nine
"$325,000 a pop - you could buy a Ferrari with that," Liberal MP Nicole Werner said.
The Victorian government says that while the overall project costs $13 million, each bin only costs about $2400.
The project has also attracted public criticism.
Last month, a fake machete bin branded a "premier safe disposal bin" appeared outside Premier Jacinta Allan's Bendigo electorate office.
There have also been claims the bins can be unlocked using a $9 tool from Bunnings.
The government says 14,000 weapons have been taken off the streets thanks to the program. Nine
Public servants were grilled on the fate of the bins during a recent budget estimates hearing, with Liberal MP Roma Britnell asking whether they would be used as rubbish bins.
"They will certainly not be turned into rubbish bins. They'll be recycled like the knives are being recycled," Department of Justice deputy secretary Bill Kyriakopoulos said.
The government has heralded the safe disposal system a success, with the hearing told 1000 weapons are being dropped in the bins every week.
Figures from November 18 showed 14,000 weapons had been surrendered by retailers and members of the public, according to the government.
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Public servants were grilled on the fate of the bins during a recent budget estimates hearing. Nine
From Monday, it will be illegal to own, carry or buy a machete in Victoria.
The maximum penalty for those found guilty is two years' imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.
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