Youth offenders performing violent acts are causing Gippsland residents to feel unsafe on our streets and in their homes.
Speaking in state parliament, The Nationals’ Melina Bath demanded the Minister for Police urgently address youth crime in eastern Victoria, demanding funding be reinstated for youth crime diversion programs.
Ms Bath cited a recent alleged violent assault in the Traralgon CBD on a young teen by three young people in broad daylight in front of commuters, shoppers and workers.
“Witnesses were left shaken and wondering when will the Allan Government get tough on youth crime,” said Ms Bath.
“This shocking example is only one of the many disturbing incidents being reported in Sale, Morwell, Bairnsdale, Warragul, Wonthaggi and Leongatha.
“The youth crime crisis is impacting every corner of Victoria, and the problem is continuing to escalate after Labor cut funding to Victoria’s community diversion and youth crime prevention programs.”
Ms Bath said our hardworking police officers are under resourced, hamstrung by red tape and Victoria’s lax bail laws.
“Premier Jacinta Allan when pushed for comment on the crisis said the government was open to new youth crime laws – but after years of inaction, residents want real change and harsher penalties – not weak words.
“Victoria Police’s Operation Visible held in Traralgon in July highlighted the urgent need for a stronger police presence in our country towns when it confiscated weapons such as knuckledusters and imitation firearms.
“Gippslanders are fed up with Labor’s inaction on youth crime, weapons, car thefts, retail crime, aggravated burglaries and weak bail laws – they’ve had enough.
“Labor’s Minister for Police must deliver tougher penalties and tangible measures to protect Gippsland families and restore community safety.”
