From 1 September 2025, machetes will be classified as prohibited weapons, meaning they will be banned for sale and possession in Victoria. Machetes can be broadly described as a cutting edge knife with a blade of more than 20 centimetres. However, the government will consult with industry on this definition before the ban starts, with kitchen knives not intended to be included. To lawfully possess a machete – for agriculture or hunting purposes, for example – you will need to apply for a permit. In Victoria, possessing a prohibited weapon can attract a sentence of up to two years imprisonment.
The machete ban is part of a broader package of laws aimed at addressing crime, particularly knife-related offences. The Government will also amend the Terrorism (Community Protection) and Control of Weapons Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Victorian Parliament, to allow the Chief Commissioner to declare a location a designated search area for up to six months, instead of 12 hours. This is a significant expansion of police powers.
From 1 September 2025, machetes will be classified as prohibited weapons, meaning they will be banned for sale and possession in Victoria. Machetes can be broadly described as a cutting edge knife with a blade of more than 20 centimetres. However, the government will consult with industry on this definition before the ban starts, with kitchen knives not intended to be included. To lawfully possess a machete – for agriculture or hunting purposes, for example – you will need to apply for a permit. In Victoria, possessing a prohibited weapon can attract a sentence of up to two years imprisonment.
The machete ban is part of a broader package of laws aimed at addressing crime, particularly knife-related offences. The Government will also amend the Terrorism (Community Protection) and Control of Weapons Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Victorian Parliament, to allow the Chief Commissioner to declare a location a designated search area for up to six months, instead of 12 hours. This is a significant expansion of police powers.
Currently, the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police can declare a location like a train station or a shopping centre a designated search area so police can search people without a warrant or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and seize items. However, a place can only be declared a designated search area for 12 hours at a time.
Within a designated area, during the period of time declared, members of Victoria Police have the power to:
It is a separate offence to obstruct or hinder a search.
Critics of these amendments argue this policy will result in significant over-policing and racial profiling.
Currently, the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police can declare a location like a train station or a shopping centre a designated search area so police can search people without a warrant or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and seize items. However, a place can only be declared a designated search area for 12 hours at a time.
Within a designated area, during the period of time declared, members of Victoria Police have the power to:
It is a separate offence to obstruct or hinder a search.
Critics of these amendments argue this policy will result in significant over-policing and racial profiling.
Including tough bail laws being introduced in Victoria, the South Australian Government ruling out raising the age of criminal responsibility, a new parole board president appointed in Queensland and more.
The Australian Federal election is coming up. This is about voting for the Prime Minister and other federal politicians. It will be held on 3 May 2025.
“We can’t get information about how a party or candidate’s policies must impact prisoners,” Kelly told About Time. “Prison officers also will not provide us with any information as it is seen as political.”
Prison work differs across the country.
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