“It’s not the weapon — it’s the system.” That’s the resounding message from Cardinia and Casey residents following Premier Jacinta Allan’s fast-tracked machete ban, introduced just days after a violent brawl at Northland Shopping Centre.
“These knives are dangerous weapons, they have no place on our streets anywhere,” Allan said in a press conference.
“That’s why we have been working incredibly hard to bring about Australia’s first machete ban.”
The ban, made under Australian Consumer Law, came into effect at midday on Wednesday 28 May 2025. It applies to all machetes — large broad-bladed cutting knives — banning all sales in or into Victoria, both in store and online, with no exemptions during the interim period.
Later this year, legislation will introduce a permanent ban on possession, use, and sale of machetes in Victoria under Control of Weapons laws.
The interim ban does not affect legitimate use of existing machetes owned by community members.
The interim ban does not affect the legitimate use of existing goods owned by community members.
Beaconsfield tradespeople say the ban offers “false hope and punishes law-abiding citizens”, rather than addressing the real issue — the intent and behaviour of offenders.
“It makes zero difference really as a sharp blade small or large can do just as much damage,” captain of Divine Swine BBQ Clint Patzack said.
“I do a lot of meat prep and as of today I can still go buy a 30cm butcher knife. So should we now ban trade tools?”
“So she (premier) effectively punishes all of us rather than directing punishment where it is needed
“This won’t fix anything, they will just find their next weapon of choice it’s about consequences and zero tolerance against crime and violence.”
Pakenham resident Brian Beardon called it a “band-aid fix” and highlighted enforcement issues.
“Can’t buy a machete from Bunnings but I can purchase one on Temu. As it’s not a prohibited item, it will not be confiscated by customs and will be delivered to me by Australia Post,” he said.
“Yes banned for sure but cannot and is not enforced nor will be as it would then go against “Australian” law,” he said.
Berwick resident James McCathie warned banning items could even backfire.
“Criminals generally have a disregard for the law. If they want to hurt people, they will find a way. The vape ban has only expanded the black market for such products,” he said.
“Every time the government bans something, they expand the product range of the black market and attract a new group of consumers. The machete ban will be no different.”
Berwick resident Stephen worries law-abiding citizens are left defenseless.
“Law-abiding citizens still have no right of self defence and we have to stand there defenceless against criminals,” he said.
“Law abiding citizens should have non-lethal items like pepper spray to defend themselves as the police aren’t always there. Security guards also have no power to do anything, so they have to stand there defenceless too.”
While the ban targets machetes, it misses the bigger issue — “a justice system failing to hold offenders accountable”.
“The problem lies within our justice system! We have gone soft on crime and criminals know it,” Pakenham resident Manda Park said.
“Bail, bail, bail. We want tougher sentencing for violent crimes, sexual crimes and thefts. We the people have had enough! We expect more from our representatives but unfortunately all they seem to do is up our taxes!”
“Machetes are not the problem! They’re out on bail time and time again criminals are the problem. These kinds of laws are exactly what makes me think governments are incable and incompetent in keeping our community safe,” Pakenham resident Neetz Ki said.
Berwick resident Paul Smith critized the government’s delay.”It is an absolutely disgraceful reflection on this government that this has taken so long to implement, and they had to wait for yet another attack to actually bring it forward”.
Owner of Purton Place Preloved Shop, Angel Chichi expressed frustration at government disconnect.
“There are so many areas the government needs to fix. The problem is that bureaucrats are making decisions without speaking to the people they supposedly represent. How do you fight the government? They don’t care!”
While many are calling for punitive measures, Berwick resident Kasuni Nuwanthika said the government should invest in rehabilitation, education, and youth services.
“We need to be looking at preventative measures to stop youth crime. That means stable employment and education opportunities, healthy and safe leisure activities and ensuring better mental health for young people,” she said.
“Locking people up doesn’t work either, as we can tell by increasing rates of repeat offenders. We need to be thinking about how we can rehabilitate and educate offenders to stop them from going down the same path again.”
Berwick parent Kristy said the problem goes beyond the justice system.
“Kids are suffering from a lack of parenting at home. With the expectation of both parents working, these kids are left to try to work out life on their own,” she said.
“They are more susceptible to gang behaviour because the gangs give them the feeling of community they are lacking in their home life.
“The only thing that can drive them back home is actual harsh justice by the system, we are too far gone and living in a really materialistic world.
“The risk of our children not growing up with guidance is a far greater loss of resources in my opinion. The machete ban needs to be step one of a much larger process.”
Berwick MP Brad Battin said “Labor has been dragged kicking and screaming to act on machetes – and even now, they’re only going halfway”.
“All they’ve done is take machetes off the shelves. But they’re still allowing people to carry them down the street. That’s not leadership – it’s political theatre,” he said.
“Under the Allan Labor Government, more than 1,100 Victoria Police positions remain unfilled, and 43 police stations have been closed or had their hours reduced since November 2023 due to critical staffing shortages.
“To address the deeper causes of youth violence in suburbs like Berwick and across Victoria, we need more proactive policing and stronger crime prevention. That starts with investing in our police force to ensure they have the resources, visibility, and local presence needed to keep communities safe and to engage early with at-risk youth before problems escalate.
“If Labor had supported our first call for a ban 18 months ago, who knows how many violent attacks could have been prevented. Instead, they’ve ignored every warning – and now Victorians are paying the price.”
