The shopping centre industry has welcomed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s decision today to bring forward the ban on machetes, following the violent incident at Northland Shopping Centre over the weekend.
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), the national industry group representing major shopping centre owners and operators, had publicly supported the Government’s proposed ban in March, when the legislation was first tabled in Parliament. Today’s accelerated action is seen as a timely and necessary response to the growing threat posed by dangerous weapons in public spaces.
Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the SCCA, said: “The shopping centre industry welcomes Victorian Premier Allen’s decision to bring forward the ban on the sale of machetes.
“Any sensible proposal which seeks to remove dangerous weapons including machetes and knives which could be used to threaten, intimidate or harm people is a welcome step.”
This support comes in the wake of a violent brawl at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston on Sunday afternoon, May 25, in which multiple individuals were injured after two groups clashed in the food court. A man in his 20s sustained serious stab wounds and two teenagers were arrested, with police confirming that a machete was used in the attack.
“The incident at Northland Shopping Centre is a reminder about the harm and fear that dangerous weapons can cause, and such weapons have no place in public places,” said Nardi.
Victoria Police are investigating the attack as a targeted, pre-arranged gang confrontation, with further arrests expected. In response, the Victorian Government announced that the sale of machetes will be banned from May 28, 2025, with a full possession ban taking effect from September 1, 2025.
“We will work with the Victorian Government to help ensure these measures are implemented effectively.
“We acknowledge and thank Victorian Police for their ongoing work and service to our community and their engagement with our industry,” said Nardi.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have also issued statements saying the Victorian Government’s decision to ban the sale of machetes is an important response to the horrifying events at Northland shopping centre last night, but broader reforms are urgently needed.
Data recently released by retail crime intelligence software company Auror revealed that knives and blades accounted for more than 50% of all weapon-related incidents in retail settings last year. Further, their use has increased by more than 40% in the past year.
ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said: “We need governments to be proactive in their response to violent crime, especially when lives are in danger. Businesses can’t continue to combat the impacts of growing retail crime on their own. Retailers across Australia are counting on states and territories to work in lock step with one another to reduce these incidents which are having an enormous impact on worker wellbeing.
“Retail workers in Victoria are unfortunately experiencing increased incidents of retail violence. Victoria Police has heard our concerns and acted swiftly to target these offenders. No one should have to go to work afraid for their safety. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many in the sector.”
Add comment