People caught carrying a machete could face up to two years in prison and a hefty fine as the Victorian government moves to outlaw dangerous weapons.Premier Jacinta Allan announced the country's first-ever machete ban today, along with an expansion of knife-search powers.It follows the government's pledge to introduce the "toughest bail laws in the country" in response to a surge in violent crimes across the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the country's first-ever machete ban today. (iStock)The ban will classify machetes as a prohibited weapon starting September 1.Those caught with a machete will face penalties, including up to two years in jail or a fine exceeding $47,000.Individuals using a machete for purposes like agriculture or hunting will need to obtain an exemption under the new changes.An amnesty will run from September 1 to November 30, which will allow people to dispose of the weapons in safe locations."Machetes are destroying lives so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can't become the places we fear," Allan said."I am listening and I am acting, with Australia's toughest bail laws and Australia's first machete ban."Under my government, community safety comes first and there are consequences for breaking the rules."
The ban will classify machetes as a prohibited weapon starting September 1. (Eddie Jim/Fairfax Media)Police are set to be granted expanded powers to search for weapons for longer periods.Currently, a location can only be declared a designated search area for 12 hours at a time. However, the government plans to extend this period, allowing officers to declare a location a designated search area for up to six months."We'll always give police what they need to keep Victorians safe – we'll build on the extra powers we've already given them and help them search for more weapons," Police Minister Anthony Carbines said.: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.