Victoria Enacts Urgent Machete Ban Following Violent Shopping Center Clash

Sat Dec 20 2025 20:06:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

**Victoria Enacts Urgent Machete Ban Following Violent Shopping Center Clash**

In response to a recent gang-related machete attack, Victoria has become the first Australian state to impose an immediate ban on machete sales.

Victorian officials are fast-tracking a new law that makes machete sales illegal starting Wednesday, advancing from a previously scheduled date of September. The decision was prompted by a violent encounter at Northland shopping center in Preston, where two rival gangs clashed, leaving one individual in critical condition. Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the ban aims to "choke the supply" of these weapons and protect the community and police from such violence.

Two teens, aged 16 and 15, have been charged with various offenses, and two additional suspects aged 20 and 18 are in custody as investigations continue. The attack is considered rare for the region, with police noting that youth knife crime occurs infrequently, but when it does, it is typically in public areas. Machetes are classified under the new laws as knives with blades longer than 20 cm, excluding kitchen knives. The operational ban coincides with a three-month amnesty for individuals wishing to surrender their machetes safely at police stations.

Allan referenced the lengthy process it took the UK to implement a similar ban, showcasing Australia's swift action. Authorities also commended a bystander who intervened during the incident, although they cautioned against public involvement in violent situations.

As police continue to analyze the incident, they are working diligently to ensure community safety amidst rising concerns over gang-related violence.

**Summary**: Victoria has fast-tracked a machete ban to take effect Wednesday after a violent gang clash at a shopping center, making it the first Australian state to implement such legislation. Four suspects are under investigation following the attack that left one man critically injured. The ban, previously set for September, aims to curb knife violence in public spaces.