As of Wednesday the sale of machetes will be banned in Victoria after an alleged gang brawl forced Northland shopping centre into lockdown over the weekend.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced the interim ban would run from May 28 until September 1 2025. September will mark the beginning of Victoria’s statewide machete ban.

“These knives are dangerous weapons, they have no place on our streets anywhere,” Allan said.

The ban has been fast-tracked after the brawl in the Preston shopping centre. It was originally meant to begin on September 1, but Allan said this is unacceptable and action is necessary.

“We’re doing this today as quickly as possible because we must never let the places where we gather, the places where families come together to shop, to enjoy the peace of their weekend, become places we fear,” she said.

Machetes are described and considered by the government as a cutting edge with a blade of more than 20 centimetres. Kitchen knives are not included.

The government have told retailers to keep stock in a safe location until the amnesty scheme begins on 1 September. The amnesty period will run until 30 November 2025. During this time Victorians will be able to safely surrender machetes across the state in secure bins out the front of select police stations without any penalties.

“We know it is disruptive to the retailers who are carrying stock. Victorians will thank them for working with us to get this done,” Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said.

If found in possession of a machete after this period, penalties include up to two years in prison or a fine of over $47,000.