A major state opposition is sharpening its election strategy, announcing stronger knife search powers as it focuses on crime, while attempting to bat away perceptions of disunity.

Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin and deputy federal party leader Ted O'Brien rallied party faithful at the annual state council in Melbourne.

In his first state council speech since becoming opposition leader, the former police officer committed to introducing Jack's Law if the coalition wins the state election in November 2026.

The legislation would allow random weapons searches by police at any time in all public locations.

"This is essential to give police the powers to take knives off the street, not wait in hope by spending $13 million on machete bins and thinking that a crook may drop it off when he

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