Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan urged to introduce statewide machete ban

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is being urged to introduce a statewide machete ban in a bid to stem the state's crime crisis.

The premier is coming under increasing pressure from within amid criticism her government has been too slow to act about the deadly weapons, which have become synonymous with Victoria's crime wave.

"Everyone in government knows that there are way too many people carrying knives and machetes," Victoria's Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said.

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"Certainly, I will support any bans that are brought forward."

The government says knife laws will be considered as part of border changes, including bail reform.

"We are seeing a new level of disrespect through our community, and some brazen crime that is happening that maybe wasn't foreseen," Hutchins added.

Searching online shows machetes for sale at major retailers and market stalls.

"It's disappointing that the Allan Labour government has taken so long to start talking about this and finding a fix," Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin said.

Last year, the government amended legislation to clarify that a machete is a "controlled weapon".

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It is an offence to sell one to a person under 18 and carrying one without a lawful excuse could lead to a fine of more $23,000 or a year's jail.

"In October 2023, we introduced legislation here in the parliament to make sure we could ban and prohibit machetes here, across all of Victoria," Battin said.

"That would mean they'd no longer be sold today."

Back in 2023, former chief commissioner Shane Patton raised the issue of banning machetes with the government - the same year the late Les Twentyman was calling for amnesty so the weapons could be handed over.

"Support the legislation we put forward and let's make sure we prohibit machetes once and for good," Battin said.

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