Victoria’s Machete Ban Delay Draws Criticism as Youth-Related Crimes Surge

Police Shadow Minister Brad Battin has criticised the state government’s opposition to last year’s crackdown on machete sales.

An example of knives and other weapons - which are to be banned by the British government - taken at a secure police location in England on Aug. 18, 2016. PA

Victoria plans to ban under 18-year-olds from buying machetes to reduce youth crime, but delays in the legislation have drawn criticism from the Victorian Liberals, who blame the postponement for a rise in violent machete-related crimes.

The Victorian government plans to pass a law making it illegal for anyone under 18 to possess, carry, or sell machetes without a valid reason.