Victorian retailers are scrambling to remove machetes from store shelves following the state government’s fast-tracked ban on the sale of long-bladed knives, introduced in the wake of a violent weekend in Melbourne.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the interim ban on Monday, after a knife-related brawl involving alleged youth gang members forced a lockdown at a Melbourne shopping centre and left three individuals hospitalised.
The Australian-first ban, now in effect as of midday Monday, prohibits the sale of edged weapons with a blade longer than 20 centimetres—excluding kitchenware. The move is intended to curb the rising incidence of youth-related knife crime.
While the ban is legally enforceable under Australian consumer law as an interim measure, many local traders have expressed frustration at being left to enforce the policy themselves.
“We’ve had to rush to measure stock and pull products, with little guidance,” one Melbourne retailer said, echoing widespread concern across the retail sector.
Victoria Police Commander Tim Tully acknowledged the issue, stating: “Retailers selling machetes in defiance of the ban will be subject to investigation by the Consumer Affairs taskforce.”
The government has advised retailers to secure unsold machetes in safe storage until a broader amnesty period begins on September 1, when full possession restrictions across Victoria will come into force.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos MP also weighed in, confirming his office had enacted the ban under special ministerial powers:
“It is now illegal to sell machetes in Victoria. I have used my powers as Minister for Consumer Affairs to impose an interim ban on the sale of machetes, in the lead-up to the commencement of Victoria’s nation-leading classification of machetes as a prohibited weapon.
In Victoria, community safety comes first,” he said in a public statement.
In response to concerns over interstate and international sales, Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police are collaborating to monitor online transactions of restricted blades entering the state.
Despite the crackdown, some have criticised the government’s handling of the timeline. Premier Allan had previously claimed the ban could not be implemented sooner, drawing backlash after its sudden acceleration.
Still, the state government maintains the urgency of the decision:
“We recognise the interim sales ban affects your existing stock and sales – but we must get these knives off shelves, off streets, and out of our lives,” said a statement from the Premier’s office.
The final implementation phase will begin with the September amnesty, allowing residents to hand in prohibited weapons before full possession bans are enforced.
