Australia is urging its citizens to dispose of machetes using designated bins ahead of a statewide ban designed to tackle knife-related crime.
On Thursday, Victoria announced that over 40 machete disposal bins would be located at state police stations. This initiative allows residents to safely discard their weapons without facing penalties before the ban takes effect on September 1.
“Owning, carrying, using, purchasing, or selling a machete without a valid exemption is a crime,” the Victorian government stated.
There will be a “Machete Amnesty” period running from September 1 to November 30, aimed at facilitating the secure disposal of machetes. Those who fail to surrender a machete during this period may face penalties of up to two years or more, which translates to about $31,725 USD.
“These knives ruin lives—we’re committed to removing them from our streets,” said Victoria’s Prime Minister Jacinta Allan.
According to reports, Victoria police have been seizing a record number of illegal knives, averaging at least 44 every day.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines emphasized that the government supports efforts by Victoria Police to take weapons away from young people, aiming to enhance public safety.
“Our message to anyone with these weapons is clear: dispose of them or face consequences,” Carbines conveyed.
The government has outlined exemptions for individuals who may keep machetes, such as farmers who use them for work-related tasks and those employing them for traditional or cultural purposes. Exempt individuals must adhere to strict conditions and demonstrate their eligibility upon request.
Prior to this, the Victorian government had already enacted a temporary ban on the sale of machetes in May, leading to Amazon removing such items from its marketplace.
