From 1 September 2025, it will be illegal to own, use, carry, transport, sell and buy machetes in Victoria, unless you are covered by an exemption or valid approval.
What is a machete?
A machete is a large broad-bladed cutting knife.
Machetes can vary in shape and size. Examples include but are not limited to the images below.
Machete ban
From 1 September 2025, it will be illegal to own, use, carry, transport, sell and buy machetes in Victoria, unless you are covered by an exemption or valid approval.
Exemptions
Exemptions allow people to keep, use or sell a machete if they have a legitimate reason. A full list of machete-related exemptions is listed in the Governor In Council Exemption Orders.
If you are currently covered by a general exemption for swords or daggers – for example, as a recognised museum, collector organisation, historical or cultural reenactment organisation or member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild – that exemption will also cover machetes.
Not covered by an exemption?
If you’re not covered by an exemption and there’s a legitimate reason you need to keep or use a machete, you can apply for a Chief Commissioner of Police approval.
In your application you must outline your reasons.
Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
A fee is payable for an approval and if granted, is valid for 3 years.
Selling machetes
There is a temporary ban on selling machetes across Victoria. This ban started at midday on Wednesday 28 May 2025. The ban includes all machetes sold in stores or online. There are no exceptions during the ban. Consumer Affairs Victoria is enforcing the ban and will work with retailers to help them comply.
From 1 September 2025, a permanent ban will be introduced. It will be illegal to sell a machete in Victoria unless you have official approval.
Disposal
A Machete Amnesty will run from 1 September to 30 November 2025 to support the safe disposal of machetes.
More than 40 safe disposal bins will be installed at select police stations across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
You can hand in a machete without penalty during this time.
More information on the Machete Amnesty will be available soon.
Penalties
From 1 September 2025, machetes are banned in Victoria. Possession without exemption can lead to:
- up to 2 years in prison, or
- a fine of more than $47,000.
Updated