In her interview with Phil O’Neil on 2GB, Gina Field, a security industry expert, discussed the recent machete attack at a Melbourne shopping centre and the broader issue of knife crime and public safety. She applauded the Victorian Government for deciding to ban machete sales and reclassify them as prohibited weapons from September, but she raised concerns about the lack of national consistency in laws and enforcement.
Gina highlighted that members of the public had to intervene during the Melbourne incident and waited over five minutes for police to arrive, which pointed to the growing gap in how well frontline security personnel are prepared and protected. She noted that although overall knife crime statistics show a decline, the severity and violence of incidents continue to rise.
Gina expressed frustration that, over a year after the Bondi Junction tragedy, authorities have made little progress in providing equipment and support for security guards. She pointed out that the industry still largely restricts security staff to observing and reporting incidents. With about 200,000 licensed security personnel in Australia compared to 70,000 police, she called on governments to strengthen collaboration, offer better training, and provide essential protective gear.
She also warned that if violence in public spaces like shopping centres continues to escalate, authorities will likely make widespread scanning technology and metal detectors standard—just as stadiums and festivals already have. While she acknowledged the privacy concerns, she believes most people would welcome enhanced safety measures.
Gina concluded by supporting a national ban on machetes and similar weapons. She argued that lawmakers should adopt consistent, common-sense legislation across all states, similar to the existing nationwide restrictions on fireworks.
