The Allan Labor Government has performed yet another stunning backflip with an immediate ban on sale of machetes in Victoria, in a move The Nationals’ Member for Morwell Martin Cameron has described as “nothing but a face-saving stunt”.
For two years the Nationals and Liberals have pushed for a total ban on machetes, yet Labor has not seen fit until now – after another terrifying incident at a shopping centre – to act.
“Last year, Labor refused to support a proposed amendment to the Firearms and Control of Weapons Bill that would have made machetes prohibited weapons,” Mr Cameron said.
“For two years Jacinta Allan has dragged her feet while Victorians have been held to ransom by machete-wielding thugs.
“It’s only now under immense pressure from the Opposition and outraged communities that Labor has implemented a ban on the sale of machetes, after earlier claiming it couldn’t be done until September.
“Jacinta Allan has done more backflips during her time as Premier than Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics.
“But this is a Band-Aid solution – it won’t get machetes off our streets, and it certainly won’t make people feel safer walking them.
“We need a ban on the possession of machetes, not just a ban on selling them. This move shifts responsibility onto local businesses, while violent offenders continue sourcing weapons online or through existing stock.
“This announcement is nothing more than a face-saving stunt from Jacinta Allan who is more concerned with keeping her seat than keeping Victorians safe.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage community safety, and Victorians are paying the price.”
