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Machete ban – Traditional, cultural and historical exemptions

From 1 September 2025, it will be illegal to own, use, carry, transport, buy or sell machetes in Victoria, unless you have an exemption. If a machete has traditional, historical or cultural significance, you may be exempt from the ban.

From 1 September 2025, it will be illegal to own, use, carry, buy or sell machetes in Victoria.

If a machete has traditional, historical or cultural significance, you may be exempt from the ban if you can prove that:

  • the machete has genuine cultural, historical or traditional significance (for example, has been passed down through generations or is used in cultural activities), and
  • you are genuinely involved in a recognised cultural, historical or traditional activity (and not using the machete for everyday or general use).

A full list of machete-related exemptions is listed in the Governor In Council Exemption Orders.

What you can do under this exemption

  • Keep a machete at home if it holds cultural, historical or traditional significance to you or your family.
  • Use or carry a machete during a recognised cultural or traditional activity, linked to a cultural group or community.

Examples of approved cultural use

  • A Samoan machete (nifo’oti) used in a traditional dance performance or cultural event in Victoria’s Samoan community.
  • Members of Victoria’s Papua New Guinea community using a machete to make traditional costumes or in cultural dance performances.
  • Members of Victoria’s Latin American communities displaying decorative or engraved machetes in homes as cultural symbols.

What you cannot do

  • Keep a machete that does not have cultural, historical or traditional significance.
  • Use it for everyday tasks like gardening, cooking, camping, or general maintenance.
  • Take it into a public place, unless it’s for a recognised cultural event.
  • Carry it in your car, unless you are travelling to or from a cultural activity.
  • Use or carry a machete for self-defence or personal protection.

Evidence you’ll need

You must be able to show that you’re legally allowed to keep a machete for traditional, historical or cultural reasons. Suitable may proof may include:

  • membership or affiliation of a community or cultural group
  • taking part in a recognised cultural program (e.g. dance event).

Important conditions

  • Machetes must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access.
  • If you’re in a public place for a recognised cultural activity – keep the machete out of sight and safely covered when you’re not using it.
  • Make sure the machete is not accessible to anyone who does not have an exemption.

Penalties

From 1 September 2025, machetes are banned in Victoria. Keeping a machete without exemption can lead to:

  • up to 2 years in prison, or
  • a fine of more than $47,000.

Updated

Temporary ban on 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 (CAV) is enforcing the ban and will work with retailers to help them comply.

To report a business selling these products while the interim ban is in place, call CAV on 1300 55 81 81, report online via consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us or use the CAV online form below.