Machete ban too little, too late
The Allan Labor Government’s last-minute announcement to restrict the sale of machetes in Victoria is too little, too late and still fails to protect communities, according to The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham.
Ms Benham said the announcement, made under emergency consumer laws, is clearly a reaction to mounting public outrage and not the result of responsible leadership.
“For months, the Opposition have called for urgent action to get machetes off our streets, not just off the shelves,” Ms Benham said.
“Labor ignored these warnings, voted against tougher laws, and insisted the ban couldn’t happen until September. Now, after yet another frightening incident, they’re scrambling to manage the politics, not the safety risk.”
Ms Benham said the Government’s failure to immediately ban both the sale and possession of machetes leaves a dangerous gap in community safety, especially in regions like Mildura, where offenders can still access weapons just across the river in New South Wales.
“People in Mildura don’t live in a bubble. We’re part of a cross-border community. It makes no sense to delay this ban while dangerous weapons remain available nearby,” Ms Benham said.
“Retail theft in Mildura is up 19% and residential aggravated burglary is also up 19%. We need urgent action on preventative measures.
Ms Benham said it’s unacceptable for the Government to wait until September to fully implement the ban.
“If the Government can fast-track the ban now, it should be fully in place now, not in several months’ time.
“This delay places communities like Mildura, Robinvale and other border towns at continued risk. It fails to address the underlying problem: criminals can still source machetes elsewhere, including online or interstate.
“Labor can’t manage crime and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
