Sooshi Mango Comedian Takes Aim at Victoria’s Jail Time Threat for Parking Fines

Comedian Carlo Salanitri questioned inconsistencies in the justice system.

Sooshi Mango trio: Joe Salanitri, Andrew Manfre and Carlo Salanitri (R), pose for a photo pre-game during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Australia on Oct. 22, 2023. Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Carlo Salanitri, a member of Melbourne-based comedy group Sooshi Mango known for their online skits, has criticised the Allan Labor government following reports thousands of Victorians are still at risk of jail time for unpaid parking fines.

In a video posted on Facebook, Salanitri criticised the existing laws while questions linger over punishment for violent youth crimes like machete attacks, home invasions, and arson.

“Oh, you got a parking fine? Jail,” Salinitri said.

“You stabbed someone with a machete for no particular reason? That’s all right, things like this happen on the main streets, you’re good to go.

“You casually walked into someone’s house at 3 a.m. and robbed all of their belongings while the whole family was sleeping? Listen, we all make mistakes, you’re good to go.”

His comments come amid reports the Allan government has extended a moratorium on historical warrants that threaten imprisonment for another two months.

While the pause remains active and warrants cannot currently be enforced, they remain legally valid, and the government has not announced legislation to permanently abolish them.

Sooshi Mango, made up of brothers Carlo Salanitri, Joe Salanitri, and their friend Andrew Manfre, has amassed millions of followers across multiple social media platforms performing comedy sketches centred on Italian-Australian family life.

The trio began gently weighing in on the state’s crime problem earlier this year after their office in Carlton, Melbourne was targeted in an attempted break-in. The trio shared CCTV footage showing a man forcing open the front door before searching through drawers and leaving empty-handed.

They joked that the intruder “couldn’t find anything of value”, adding: “We are Italians, we don’t leave our cash in obvious places.”

Frustrations Over Crime in Victoria

Salanitri’s comments also come amid ongoing debate about youth crime and the Victorian government’s response.

In recent months, Melbourne has seen a series of incidents involving machetes, including a brawl at Flinders Street Station. The incidents prompted renewed criticism from the opposition, who argue repeat violent offenders are not facing sufficiently strong consequences.

In September 2025, the Victorian government moved to implement a series of measures including installing machete disposal bins across Melbourne.

The government says the program resulted in about 18,000 weapons being surrendered or seized, including around 17,000 machetes removed from circulation, and has argued the measures are helping reduce knife-related crime.

The Epoch Times contacted the Victorian government for additional comment.

Victorian Minister for Police Anthony Carbines poses for a photo with a Machete Amnesty Safety Disposal Bin after announcement on the state's machete ban at Melbourne West Police Station in Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, July 31, 2025. AAP Image/Joel Carrett