Victoria plans machete ban after violent gang fight
- A machete gang fight took place at a shopping mall in Melbourne, resulting in injuries to a young man.
- Victorian government officials announced an expedited ban on machetes following this incident.
- The community is taking actions to improve safety by restricting access to dangerous weapons.
In Melbourne, Australia, a violent gang fight occurred on a Sunday afternoon at a shopping mall, involving machete-wielding members of rival gangs. The altercation led to serious injuries for a 20-year-old man, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Premier Jacinta Allan announced that the state government would fast-track a ban on the sale of machetes, originally planned to begin in September, and instead would take effect that coming Wednesday. The decision marks a significant measure aimed at reducing knife-related violence and increasing public safety in Victoria. The mayor highlighted that the ban would 'choke the supply' of machetes in the community, asserting that shoppers and police should not have to contend with such dangerous items in public spaces. Following the incident, four suspects, including two minors, were arrested. Policemen reported the fight involved up to 10 participants and that three of the four machetes used had been seized. In light of this incident, the government stated that there would be a three-month amnesty period post-ban for individuals to surrender any existing machetes without penalty. It has been emphasized that possession of machetes, with few exceptions, would become illegal as of September 1, with offenders facing significant penalties, including fines exceeding 47,000 Australian dollars and possible prison sentences up to two years. The community's safety has become paramount, especially concerning youth knife crime, which, although statistically rare, remains a growing concern. The Premier also compared the measures being taken in Victoria to those in the United Kingdom, noting that it took England 18 months to enact similar legislation, while Victoria would achieve this in a matter of months. The laws aim to limit access to such detrimental weapons, demonstrating a proactive approach to curbing gang violence and ensuring public safety. As the investigation into the mall incident continues, it is clear that the state is committed to preventing further occurrences of such violent confrontations in the future.