Victoria Police in talks with state government to ban sale of machetes after spate of knife crime

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton is in talks with the state government which could see the sale of machetes outlawed after a spate of deadly knife attacks.

Victoria Police is in discussions with the state government about banning machetes in Victoria. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Machetes could be outlawed across the state, as Victoria Police and the Allan government hold discussions about banning the dangerous weapons.

The state’s top cop Shane Patton on Tuesday told a parliamentary inquiry that the force had raised the prospect of tougher weapon laws, conceding that knife crime is a “significant issue” for police.

“We’ve certainly been talking with government about that,” the Chief Commissioner said.

It follows a spate of terrifying incidents earlier this year involving the long-bladed weapons, with Victoria Police actively monitoring 600 members of 40 youth gangs across the state.

Mr Patton said Victoria Police already apprehends “a lot of people” under the Control of Weapons Act.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said there was no reason why young people needed machetes. Picture: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

“We’re very cognisant of the spate of knife crime that we’ve seen,” he said.

“A young person can’t be carrying a machete around in public ... There’s no reason for them and they shouldn’t be carrying them around.

“There’s a significant penalty for them if and when we do apprehend them, and we do apprehend a lot of people.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said there had been discussions with police about machetes.

“There have been some conversations with Victoria Police about ... looking at using statistics and understanding trends, looking at how there might be some additional opportunities to provide support for Victoria Police to do the work they do,” she said.

“We’re having some discussions about that, we’re waiting on some further advice.”

Youth worker Les Twentyman has long called for a ban on the sale of machetes. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

In August, the state opposition called on the government to outlaw machetes in a bid to help reduce the number of violent assaults.

Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said the Coalition was committed to amending the Control of Weapons Act 1990 to ensure machete possession is banned.

A Victorian government spokeswoman said the sale of knives to young people was prohibited and it was also an offence for a child to purchase a controlled weapon.

“Those who break the law can expect to face serious consequences,” she said.

“We continue to work with Victoria Police to ensure they have the tools they need to respond to this type of offending -- already we have invested a record $4.5 bn for police to keep the community safe, while delivering targeted programs and supports to keep young people out of the justice system.”

Under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, a knife other than a prohibited knife is classed as a controlled weapon.

It is illegal for a person to have, carry or use a controlled weapon, including a knife, without a lawful excuse.

Those caught face a fine of up to $23,000 or one year in jail.