Following a violent confrontation involving machetes at a Melbourne shopping centre, Victoria has expedited the implementation of Australia’s inaugural ban on the sale of the weapon. Set to take effect this Wednesday, the ban has been fast-tracked from its original start date in September, following attacks by two rival gangs at the Northland shopping centre in Preston on Sunday. One individual, aged 20, remains hospitalized in serious condition as the police continue their investigation.
Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating it would "choke the supply" of such dangerous weapons and ensure that shopping areas remain safe for the community. She remarked, "The community shouldn't have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres — neither should our police."
In connection with the incident, two boys aged 15 and 16 have been charged with affray, intentional injury, and possession of a controlled weapon. Two additional men, aged 20 and 18, were arrested the following day. Preliminary investigations suggested that the altercation was a premeditated fight organized by the gangs, resulting in no innocent bystanders being harmed.
Deputy Commissioner David Clayton noted that, although youth knife crime is infrequent in Victoria, the instances that occur can be alarming. According to him, young people are involved in approximately 10% of knife crimes in the state, which often take place in public settings.
Emergency services were alerted to the Northland shopping centre incident shortly after 2:30 PM local time on Sunday, where around 10 individuals were reported fighting. The police confirmed that three of the four machetes used in the brawl have been confiscated, and ongoing investigations may lead to further arrests.
Allan condemned the attack as "appalling," stressing the need to protect spaces meant for community gathering from such violence. She highlighted the expedited timeframe of their ban compared to similar measures in other countries, noting it took the UK 18 months to enact a similar machete ban, while Victoria is acting within half that time.
Earlier this year, legislative updates to the Control of Weapons Act had already defined machetes as knives with blades longer than 20 centimeters, with exceptions for kitchen knives. A three-month amnesty, starting in September, will allow individuals to anonymously surrender machetes at designated police stations, emphasizing community safety in the face of rising concerns about knife-related violence.
Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating it would "choke the supply" of such dangerous weapons and ensure that shopping areas remain safe for the community. She remarked, "The community shouldn't have to deal with these weapons in their shopping centres — neither should our police."
In connection with the incident, two boys aged 15 and 16 have been charged with affray, intentional injury, and possession of a controlled weapon. Two additional men, aged 20 and 18, were arrested the following day. Preliminary investigations suggested that the altercation was a premeditated fight organized by the gangs, resulting in no innocent bystanders being harmed.
Deputy Commissioner David Clayton noted that, although youth knife crime is infrequent in Victoria, the instances that occur can be alarming. According to him, young people are involved in approximately 10% of knife crimes in the state, which often take place in public settings.
Emergency services were alerted to the Northland shopping centre incident shortly after 2:30 PM local time on Sunday, where around 10 individuals were reported fighting. The police confirmed that three of the four machetes used in the brawl have been confiscated, and ongoing investigations may lead to further arrests.
Allan condemned the attack as "appalling," stressing the need to protect spaces meant for community gathering from such violence. She highlighted the expedited timeframe of their ban compared to similar measures in other countries, noting it took the UK 18 months to enact a similar machete ban, while Victoria is acting within half that time.
Earlier this year, legislative updates to the Control of Weapons Act had already defined machetes as knives with blades longer than 20 centimeters, with exceptions for kitchen knives. A three-month amnesty, starting in September, will allow individuals to anonymously surrender machetes at designated police stations, emphasizing community safety in the face of rising concerns about knife-related violence.
