Teen Stabbed at Highpoint as Machete Ban Marks One Year, May 29

A 16-year-old boy was stabbed during a fight at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s west on May 28, marking the first anniversary of Victoria’s machete ban. The incident has reignited criticism of the law’s effectiveness. Police data released Thursday shows mixed results: overall stabbings fell 11 percent, but incidents involving child offenders nearly doubled.

What Happened at the Shopping Centre

A fight broke out near the cinema and dining outlets at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong just after 7pm on May 28. A 16-year-old boy suffered a laceration to his lower back and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two other teenagers sustained minor injuries but did not need hospital treatment. Police found a knife at the scene and seized it. No arrests have been made. Detectives from Taskforce Alliance, which investigates violent youth gangs, took over the investigation.

One Year of Knife Seizures and Stabbing Trends

Victoria’s machete ban took effect on September 1, 2025, following a machete attack at Northland Shopping Centre in May 2025. The government launched a $13 million machete collection bin program alongside the ban. Police data shows officers seized 17,428 knives and edged weapons in 2025, averaging 48 per day. About 3,000 knives have been seized so far in 2026. Overall stabbings in Victoria fell 11 percent, dropping from 698 incidents to 620 over the past year.

Youth Offenders Drive Concern

While total stabbings declined, stabbings involving child offenders surged. Police recorded 168 incidents with youth offenders, up from 111 the previous year. Half of all stabbings occurred in homes, with family violence, disputes between associates, drugs, alcohol and mental health as contributing factors. Random stabbings accounted for just 1 percent of incidents. Critics argue the ban has not reduced public knife attacks, with more than 40 reported incidents at shopping centres, train stations and schools since September 2025.

Political Debate Over the Ban’s Effectiveness

Opposition politicians say the ban is failing. Family First argues the government prioritised symbolic action over substance. They call for tougher sentencing, expanded police powers, stricter bail laws and investment in family stability. Police Minister Anthony Carbines encouraged Victorians to use the machete bins during the September amnesty. Child safety experts remain divided. Paul Burke, chief executive of the Les Twentyman Foundation, said machete bins have been effective to some extent but acknowledged limitations.

Final Thoughts

Victoria’s machete ban reduced overall stabbings by 11 percent but failed to prevent youth violence. The Highpoint stabbing on the ban’s anniversary exposes a gap between policy intent and street reality, particularly among young offenders.

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