A violent confrontation between rival youth gangs at a Melbourne shopping centre has led Victoria to fast-track a nationwide first: a ban on the sale and possession of machetes. Originally scheduled to take effect in September, the legislation will now be enforced from this Wednesday.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at Northland shopping centre in Preston, about 11 km north of Melbourne, where up to 10 individuals engaged in a planned fight. Emergency services responded shortly after 2:30 pm local time. A 20-year-old man remains in hospital in serious condition.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the attack as "appalling" and emphasized that such weapons have no place in public areas.

"The community shouldn’t have to confront these weapons in shopping centres—nor should our police," Allan said. "We’re choking the supply. It took the UK 18 months to implement a ban. We’re doing it in under six."

Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury, and possession of a controlled weapon. Two additional men, aged 18 and 20, were also arrested on Monday and are being questioned. All four individuals were previously known to police. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and expect to make further arrests. Three machetes used in the brawl have been recovered.

Deputy Commissioner David Clayton confirmed the clash was pre-arranged, stating, "This was a planned fight between two rival youth gangs. Thankfully, no innocent bystanders were harmed."

While youth knife crime remains uncommon in Victoria, Clayton acknowledged its impact: "It is rare, but when it does happen, it’s frightening. One in ten knife-related crimes in the state involves a young person, often in public spaces."

Under the updated Control of Weapons Act, machetes—defined as knives with blades over 20 cm not used for culinary purposes—will be banned from sale or possession. A three-month amnesty period beginning in September will allow individuals to surrender machetes at police stations via secure drop-off boxes.

Police also commended a bystander who restrained one of the alleged attackers until officers arrived, though they cautioned the public against intervening in such situations.

This crackdown mirrors a similar move in the UK, where "zombie-style" knives and machetes were outlawed in 2023 to reduce gang-related violence.

Premier Allan concluded with a message of reassurance: "We must not let the places where families come together—shopping, meeting, enjoying weekends—become places of fear."