The Victorian government has announced an immediate ban on the sale of machetes in response to a violent gang confrontation at Northland shopping centre last Sunday, where multiple men armed with large blades clashed in broad daylight.
Around 2.30 pm, witnesses reported screaming and chaos erupting in the centre’s food court as rival groups, believed to be motivated by “retaliation”, confronted each other. Shoppers scrambled for safety when one man brandished a machete, chasing others through the mall.
A 20-year-old bystander sustained serious injuries and remains in stable condition in the hospital; two other males self-presented to the hospital with injuries.
Victoria Police arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy at the scene, charging them with affray, intentionally causing injury, and possession of a controlled weapon. Authorities continue to search for up to eight additional suspects who fled the centre in the aftermath.
Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the “appalling” violence and confirmed that from Wednesday, retailers will no longer be permitted to sell machetes.
“These knives are dangerous weapons—they have no place on our streets,”
Premier Allan said.
A statewide ban on possession of machetes will follow on September 1, under forthcoming legislation.
Staff and patrons who witnessed the brawl described a normally tranquil Sunday afternoon, shattered by sudden violence. Café owner Ali Ozeer recalled hearing chilling screams, while cinema-goer Julie Bolton said the lights suddenly came on as the film screening was halted. Retail worker Vea Chainet described customers “bolting” into her store seeking refuge.
Victoria Police have increased patrols around Northland and other shopping centres in the wake of the attack. Opposition Leader Brad Battin echoed calls for even swifter action, urging that the possession ban be brought forward immediately.
The ban on machete sales marks the latest in a series of measures by the Andrews government to curb youth violence and reduce the availability of lethal weapons. With Victoria’s knife-related assaults rising in recent years, lawmakers say the ban is a necessary step to protect communities and discourage the use of dangerous blades in public spaces.
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