Two teenage boys were injured in a suspected machete attack in Shepparton, northern Victoria.
Police say a group of about 20 youths attacked the two teens near a bridge off the Midland Highway around 4 p.m. on Monday. Both were taken to Goulburn Valley Hospital for treatment.
Last week, the Victorian government introduced a statewide ban on the sale of machetes following a violent incident at a Melbourne shopping centre.
David Murray, strategy project lead at Jesuit Social Services who works with marginalized youth, expressed concern over the easy access young people have to machetes and knives.
“While restricting machete sales helps limit supply, it won’t stop this kind of behavior,” he said. “Knives are readily available everywhere, and some sold are extremely dangerous.”
Murray highlighted Victoria’s strong diversion programs for youth involved in crime. “When young people are involved in incidents like this and come to police attention, it’s a chance to engage their family, school, and other adults to ask, ‘Is this really the path you want to take?’”
Warrnambool incident
The Shepparton attack follows another alleged machete assault in Warrnambool last week. A 19-year-old man was refused bail after being charged with aggravated carjacking, assault, and possession of a prohibited weapon related to the May 24 incident in a car park.
Restaurant owner Mitchell Spencer told ABC he witnessed the altercation while loading groceries and intervened by restraining the suspect until police arrived. He said his focus was on stopping the situation rather than his own safety.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stated there is no place for machetes in Victoria and emphasized efforts to remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
