The Allan government is preparing to introduce tough new stand-alone penalties for knife-related crime, as police in Victoria report the highest number of seized edged weapons ever recorded.
The Herald Sun understands that the government plans to amend the Crimes Act by creating new specific offences linked directly to the use of knives during the commission of a crime. Under the proposal, offenders could face an additional three years in prison on top of any sentence already handed down for the primary offence.
For example, an individual involved in a public brawl while wielding a machete would not only face charges such as affray but also new knife-related charges carrying significant extra penalties. The laws will extend to a broader set of indictable offences, which will be finalised following a consultation process with police, legal experts and community stakeholders.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the new laws were necessary to address the rising toll of knife violence across the state.
“Knife crime has torn too many families and communities apart. It’s why we’ll introduce a new offence that targets the harm this causes,” he said. “This will send a clear message to anyone using one of these dangerous weapons to terrorise others — you will face serious consequences.”
The announcement comes as police confirm a record-breaking 15,010 knives, machetes and other edged weapons have been seized so far this year — an average of 47 per day. The figure surpasses last year’s record of 14,808, or 44 per day.
According to police, many of the weapons were discovered at residential properties during targeted search warrants executed on known offenders. Others were seized from suspected youth gang members, who authorities say are among the groups most likely to carry weapons in public.
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the surge in knife-related violence had fuelled deep anxiety in the community.
“I am acutely aware of how much concern knife crime generates in the Victorian community, with multiple recent incidents striking at the heart of how safe people are and how safe people feel,” he said. “The simple fact is knife crime leads to nothing but immense harm and significant trauma — whether it be physical or psychological.”
Police continue to seize weapons through bail compliance checks, patrols in gang-affected areas and designated weapons search operations.
“Knives and machetes have no place at your local shopping centre, bus stop or train station, and we will continue to use every available avenue to ensure our community is safe,” Bush said.
The state government is expected to present the new legislation to parliament in the coming months, signalling a major escalation in Victoria’s approach to reducing weapon-related violence.
