Senator McKenzie warns Victoria's machete crackdown ‘does nothing' as knife crime fuels safety fears across the state
Senator Bridget McKenzie has argued the Victorian government's retail machete ban won't improve public safety.
The state is preparing to implement a statewide ban on the sale of machetes on Wednesday, with Premier Jacinta Allan confirming the interim prohibition will come into effect at midday.
The interim ban, which Ms Allan confirmed applies to all "cutting-edge knives with a blade of more than 20cm", will continue until September 1, at which point the possession of machetes will then be permanently outlawed.
With rising crime concerns, questions have been raised by the opposition about the state government's approach to keeping Victorians safe, given online sales of the weapons remain unregulated and a three-month wait remains until the possession ban kicks in.
Senator Bridget McKenzie said the state government's retail ban will not improve safety for Victorians as the regulation does not impact online sales.
"I don't think the Labor government's retail ban here in Victoria will actually make it safer, you can purchase it online,' she said on Sunrise.
'It does nothing about the existing stock that's already here, and a government's job is to keep their citizens safe.
'We know crime here in Victoria is a huge issue. The National Party got a swing to it from Labor in seats like Bendigo - the premier's hometown - because Victorians aren't feeling safe in their own home and their streets.'
The Nationals Senator said the retail ban does not solve 'the broader issue'.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres questioned whether it was appropriate for the federal government to intervene, suggesting that doing so would be an overstep.
'I see the Victorian government has moved on this question; we support that effort,' he said.
'It really is a matter for the states and territories, and for the Commonwealth to step in would be a very significant step here that I'm not sure is warranted."
The Labor minister said 'the underlying point' is there is never a 'good reason for a young person to be carrying a weapon in a public place', pointing to the terrifying events at a Melbourne shopping centre on the weekend.
"The Victorian government is acting here. It's a very clear direction to stores that from today, nobody may sell a machete in Victoria," he said.
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