As aggravated burglaries escalate in Victoria, Australia, concerns over self-defense laws have gained significant traction. Personal trainer Chris Katelaris recently called on Victorians to demand stronger legal protections, including the implementation of ‘castle law’ – a doctrine that allows homeowners to defend themselves with reasonable force during home invasions.
Growing Pressure to Strengthen Self-Defense Rights
Under Australia’s current self-defense laws, homeowners are prohibited from using lethal force to protect their properties, sparking public debate as violent home invasions become more frequent. The Crime Statistics Agency reports a drastic increase in aggravated burglaries, with incidents climbing from 46.4 per 100,000 people in 2021 to 97.9 in the past year leading to March 2025. This alarming rise has left many Victorians feeling vulnerable in their homes.
Chris Katelaris criticized the state government’s stance on the matter, calling Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny’s rejection of tougher laws a “spit in the face.” In a widely shared TikTok video, Katelaris accused government officials of being disconnected from the realities of average citizens, stating, “They live in gated homes with panic buttons, while we’re left to rely on mobile phones as intruders enter our homes armed with deadly weapons.”
Home Invasion in Kew East Highlights the Issue
One horrifying recent incident occurred in the affluent suburb of Kew East, Melbourne, where five masked intruders broke into a family’s home, stabbing a father multiple times in the head and face. The 39-year-old father attempted to fight back after being dragged into a separate room, while his wife and children faced further terror in another part of the house. The children’s grandparents, who were also present, sustained injuries when they tried to assist the father.
Police report that the attackers fled the scene in two vehicles, including the victim’s stolen luxury BMW. Three of the intruders, aged 24, 17, and 16, have since been charged with crimes such as aggravated home invasion, serious injury, and false imprisonment.
Public Reactions and Calls for Immediate Action
The Kew East invasion has intensified public outcry for more robust self-defense laws, with residents like Katelaris urging the government to act swiftly. Others, like New Zealander Chrissy Skye, have opted to move to safer areas after experiencing repeated thefts and break-ins.
Meanwhile, Libertarian MP David Limbrick has vowed to push for legislation granting greater powers to homeowners, stressing the necessity of measures to protect families as crime rates soar. Despite the push, Attorney-General Kilkenny maintains that current laws are adequate, a sentiment many Victorians strongly contest.
The question remains: How far must things escalate before significant legislative changes are made to address the rising threats to Viktorian homeowners?
