Under Victorian law the ownership is heavily restricted, including recent strengthening of the laws to prohibit ownership of machetes and similar weapons.
Historical Fencing Australia has worked closely with the Victorian Department of Justice, and Victoria Police, to ensure that our participants are exempted from certain prohibitions on sword ownership.
Under the General Exemption for Fencing, members of recognised Historical Fencing clubs (i.e. registered businesses, incorporated associations, and other HFA affiliate groups) may purchase and own swords for training purposes. They may also travel with swords in public to and from events and training, and use swords for training purposes at home, during events, and at training sessions.
There are a number of requirements on fencers which must be adhered to in order to be eligible for this exemption status as an individual:
1) You must not fit the criteria of a Prohibited Person under Victorian Law with respect to sword ownership.
2) You must provide your fencing club with your legal name, and the address at which you will be storing your swords.
3) Swords and other weapons must be stored and used in accordance with the relevant legislation set out in the Control of Weapons Act and related laws.
4) If at any time you change your address or become a Prohibited Person you must notify your club immediately.
5) You must present your swords to law enforcement representatives on request, and be able to provide proof of membership at your club (i.e. a membership card with your name and memberhip number) and may be asked for additional ID to corroborate your identity.
What if I’m Travelling To/From/Through Victoria?
If you are travelling in Victoria, all of the requirements and exemptions listed still apply.
If your club does not issue membership cards, you should ask your instructor to provide a letter confirming your membership and exemption status, or you can request one directly from HFA by contacting us via email or Facebook messenger.
If you are flying, then you should confirm with your airline any additional requirements for travelling with swords, though no issues have been encountered preventing travel by anyone to the best of our knowledge.
Specific Legislative Information
Prior to 2020 Historical Fencing was categorised as a martial art and so was covered under:
Victorian Sword Ownership – Martial Arts Exemption
As of 2020 the Department of Justice and Police Victoria have classified Historical fencing under the general exemption for fencing:
Victorian Sword Ownership – General Exemption for Fencing
Both definitions use the concept of a prohibited person:
Prohibited Person – Definition
This page does not constitute official legal advice. For any modifications or updates to this legislation we advise searching here, or seeking legal advice.