seniorspectrumnewspaper – Victoria has accelerated its planned ban on machetes after a violent fight erupted at a Melbourne shopping centre. The state will implement the ban this Wednesday instead of the originally scheduled September date. The urgent move follows a machete attack involving two gangs at Northland shopping centre in Preston, about 11 kilometers north of Melbourne.
Police responded on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of up to ten people fighting. They arrested four individuals, including two teenage boys and two young men, in connection with the incident. Police also seized three machetes used during the attack.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, described the incident as “appalling” and said the ban aims to “choke the supply” of dangerous weapons. She emphasized that communities and police should not face machetes in public places like shopping centres.
The new legislation will make it illegal to sell or possess machetes in the state, defined as knives with blades longer than 20 centimeters. The law will exclude kitchen knives primarily used for cooking.
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Details of the Preston Shopping Centre Machete Attack
The machete fight took place at Northland shopping centre on Sunday around 2:30 PM local time. Police arrived at the scene to find up to ten individuals involved in a violent clash. A 20-year-old man sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Four suspects arrested include two boys aged 15 and 16, and two men aged 18 and 20. Police charged the teenagers with affray, intentionally causing injury, and possession of a controlled weapon. The men were taken in for questioning.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said the fight was planned between rival youth gangs. He reassured the public that no innocent bystanders were harmed during the incident. He described youth knife crime as rare but frightening.
Emergency services quickly responded to the shopping centre in Preston, helping to control the situation. The investigation continues, and police expect more arrests as inquiries progress.
How Victoria’s Machete Ban Will Work
Victoria announced legislative changes to the Control of Weapons Act in March, setting a September start date for the machete ban. Following the recent attack, the government has moved the date to this Wednesday to improve public safety.
The ban targets machetes, broadly defined as knives with cutting blades longer than 20 centimeters. It excludes knives designed primarily for kitchen use. The law will criminalize the sale, possession, and transport of machetes within Victoria.
The government will also introduce a three-month amnesty starting in September. This will allow people to hand in their machetes safely at designated police collection points without facing penalties.
Premier Allan compared the rapid legislation process to the UK’s 18-month ban on machetes and “zombie-style” knives. She expressed pride that Victoria is enacting the ban within six months.
Community and Police Reactions to the Incident
Police praised a civilian who bravely restrained one alleged offender until officers arrived. Authorities commended his actions but advised the public not to intervene in violent incidents for safety reasons.
Deputy Commissioner Clayton noted that one in ten knife crimes in Victoria involves young people. Most youth knife offenses occur in public places, highlighting the importance of tougher weapon controls.
Premier Allan stressed that public spaces like shopping centres must remain safe for families and communities. She called for collective efforts to prevent weapons from entering everyday environments.
The police and government reiterated their commitment to protecting residents and reducing violent crime through stronger laws and community cooperation.
Comparisons to International Weapon Bans and Future Outlook
Victoria’s fast-tracked machete ban mirrors similar legislation passed in England and Wales in September last year. The UK law prohibits ownership, sale, and transportation of “zombie-style” knives and machetes favored by criminal gangs.
Australian authorities hope the ban will reduce machete-related violence and serve as a deterrent to illegal weapon possession. The three-month amnesty will encourage voluntary surrender of machetes, reducing their availability on the streets.
Victoria’s swift response demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling youth gang violence and enhancing public safety. Officials remain vigilant and expect ongoing law enforcement efforts to complement the new legal framework.
The community can expect stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns as the ban takes effect. Authorities plan to monitor the law’s impact closely and adjust policies if necessary to curb violent crime.
