The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has expressed concern over the Allan Labor Government’s $13 million roll out of 45 “machete bins” across Victoria, describing it as a costly “publicity stunt” that does little to tackle crime on the ground.
Each bin will reportedly cost nearly $300,000, alongside a three-month public awareness campaign. Ms Cleeland said the figure raises serious questions about Labor’s priorities.
“Taxpayers deserve to know why this is costing so much,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is yet another example of Labor’s wasteful spending while regional communities continue to feel unsafe and under-served.
“Real safety improvements like more police on the ground and better bail reforms are what Victorians actually need.”
Ms Cleeland also noted that Seymour is the only town in the Euroa electorate to receive one of these bins, leaving residents elsewhere without access. Questions still remain over exemptions and how the scheme will be applied in practice.
“The idea that criminals will voluntarily hand in weapons at a CCTV-monitored bin is unrealistic,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Meanwhile, Victoria Police are under-resourced, with more than 1,100 frontline positions unfilled, and regional courts struggling to cope.
“It is clear where funding should go, supporting frontline officers, mental health services, and targeted crime prevention.”
The amnesty period for weapon disposal will run from 1 September to 30 November 2025, but that alone does not justify the enormous cost.
“The people of regional Victoria are left questioning this $13 million expense,” Ms Cleeland said.
“When communities need action on crime, not gimmicks, Labor continues to show it cannot manage money or manage safety. Regional Victorians are paying the price for their mismanagement.”