In response to a violent gang confrontation involving machetes at Northland Shopping Centre, the state of Victoria is fast-tracking legislation to ban the sale of machetes. The incident triggered chaos, with shoppers fleeing for safety as the brawl unfolded, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scenes, prompting a lockdown of the mall. Authorities have announced that there would be no exemptions to the ban, as they aim to curb escalating violence associated with gang activity. This decision has sparked debate about its effectiveness and whether it serves as a political quick fix.