Today in PAEC, the failure of the Andrews Labor Government to address a number of important community safety priorities has been demonstrated yet again.
Under questioning, Police Minister Lisa Neville and Chief Commissioner Shane Patton have revealed that critical upgrades have been ignored, promised stations won’t be delivered on time and essential equipment is not being funded, including;
- A $10 million cost blowout to the Narre Warren and Clyde North Police Stations which will not be built in 2022 as promised by the Andrews Labor Government.
- No funding for additional tasers for frontline officers despite repeated calls from the Police Association of Victoria, Victorian Liberal Nationals and confirmation that Victoria Police has been actively discussing additional tasers with the Andrews Labor Government.
- No funding for rebuilds or upgrades to the Broadmeadows, Regional OSTT, Collingwood/Fitzroy, Prahran, Malvern, Wollert, Hamilton, St Kilda, Clayton, Benalla, Point Cook, Drouin, Coleraine or Rokewood stations – despite being requested by Victoria Police in a 2019-21 funding priorities list.
This lack of proper resourcing and support comes as the proportion of property and crimes against the person being solved within 30 days has plummeted and community confidence in Victoria Police has reached a decade low.
Daniel Andrews’ failure to prioritise frontline police funding and resourcing has opened the door to higher offending, lower confidence and worse community safety outcomes.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, David Southwick:
“Frontline police have stepped up during a difficult year but have simply been short-changed by the Andrews Labor Government.
“With crime and violent offending continuing to rise, why isn’t Daniel Andrews backing our frontline officers with the resources they need?
“Community safety must remain front and centre, yet Daniel Andrews has ignored calls for additional support and left frontline police with one hand tied behind their backs.”
