Victoria to roll out 40 machete disposal bins in statewide amnesty

The Victorian Government has unveiled a machete amnesty ahead of the statewide ban in September.

The ban, initially announced at the start of the month, will make owning, carrying and buying a machete without a valid permit a criminal offence in Victoria.

The maximum penalty for those found guilty is two years’ imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.

Premier Jacinta Allan at one of the new machete amnesty bins. Photo by Jason South. 31st July 2025 — The Victorian government has been under pressure to clamp down on crime. (The Age)

Victorians will be able to dispose of their machetes at one of 40 safe disposal bins located around the state at police stations.

The amnesty period will run from September 1 to November 30, and people will be able to hand in a machete during this time without penalty.

“These knives destroy lives – so we’re taking them off the streets,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“Victorians have zero tolerance for knife crime and so do we – we’re enacting this ban and boosting Victoria Police’s powers because community safety always comes first.”

There are some exemptions in place, including agricultural workers who use machetes as part of their job.

Those who claim they use a machete in a traditional, historical or cultural capacity will be granted an exemption.

An interim sales ban on machetes in Victoria was announced in May.

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