In a shocking display of political inaction, the Allan Labor Government has today voted down a Liberal and Nationals Bill that would have immediately banned the possession of machetes on Victorian streets.
The Control of Weapons Amendment (Machetes) Bill 2025, introduced by the Liberals and Nationals, would have brought the ban into effect upon Royal Assent - closing the dangerous loophole that still allows machetes to be carried in public until September.
Instead, Labor has once again chosen to delay, refusing to support immediate action and putting community safety at risk.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said Labor's refusal to act was indefensible.
"Labor has been dragged kicking and screaming to act on machetes - and even now, they're only going halfway," Mr Battin said.
"All they've done is take machetes off the shelves. But they're still allowing people to carry them down the street. That's not leadership - it's political theatre."
"If Labor had supported our first call for a ban 18 months ago, who knows how many violent attacks could have been prevented. Instead, they've ignored every warning - and now Victorians are paying the price."
Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick, said the government's decision to delay the possession ban until September made a mockery of its claims to prioritise community safety.
"Taking machetes off the shelves doesn't stop those who already have them. Every day of delay puts the community at risk," Mr Southwick said.
"From the scenes in Parliament today, it's clear Labor would rather play politics than act to protect Victorians. Their refusal to support our Bill today is a betrayal of every community worried about rising knife crime."
"Labor can't manage crime and they can't keep Victorians safe. This delay is dangerous, and it's completely unacceptable."
The Liberals and Nationals have now attempted to reclassify machetes as prohibited weapons five times since November 2023, alongside long-standing calls from anti-violence campaigners like the late Les Twentyman.
The Liberals and Nationals remain committed to delivering an immediate ban on machete possession and will continue fighting to get these dangerous weapons off Victorian streets.
