It is illegal to own, use, carry, buy or sell machetes in Victoria. If you work in agriculture and need to use a machete as part of your job, you may be exempt from the ban.
A full list of machete-related exemptions is listed in the Governor In Council Exemption Orders.
What you can do under this exemption
You can carry and use a machete if you are:
- a farmer or farm worker using a machete for agricultural tasks such as crop management, harvesting or sapling maintenance
- a horticultural worker using a machete as a professional tool
- a student or apprentice enrolled in an agricultural course (e.g. TAFE or university) where machete use is part of your training
- transporting a machete to and from your agricultural work site.
Important exemption conditions
- Machetes must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access.
- If you’re in a public place for work – including streets, footpaths, parks and gardens, railway stations, schools, markets, jetties and sports grounds – keep the machete concealed and secure when you’re not using it.
- Make sure the machete is not accessible to anyone without an exemption.
What you cannot do
- Carry or use a machete in public places, unless you are doing agricultural work there.
- Use a machete for non-work activities such as camping, gardening or other recreational activities.
- Lend it to anyone unless they also work in your business and are covered by the exemption.
- Keep a machete in your vehicle, unless you are travelling directly to or from a work site.
- Leave a machete unsecured where others can access it.
Evidence you’ll need
You must be able to show that you’re legally allowed to carry or use a machete for agricultural work. Suitable proof may include:
- an ABN registered to an agriculture or food production business
- a document showing the business name and the type of agricultural activity
- a letter, employment contract, or payslip from your agriculture employer which matches your formal photo identification (e.g. passport or driver’s licence).
For partnerships or companies, suitable proof includes:
- a certificate of registration for the partnership
- a certificate of incorporation for the company.
Penalties
Keeping or using a machete without exemption can lead to:
- up to 2 years in prison, or
- a fine of more than $47,000.
Updated