The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has condemned the Premier for her failure to reach a pay deal with Victoria Police as crime grows.
Ms Bath said the Allan Labor Government has left our hardworking officers undervalued at a time when their service has never been more critical with crime soaring in Victoria.
“There is well over 1,000 police officer vacancies statewide and residential burglaries have increased by 86 per cent statewide in the past year.
“After ten years under Labor the frightening fact is aggravated residential burglaries have surged in eastern Victoria with increases as follows: Latrobe 300 per cent, Baw Baw 743 per cent, Bass Coast 143 per cent, Cardinia 272 per cent, South Gippsland 300 per cent, Wellington 155 per cent and East Gippsland 33.3 per cent.[1]
“The Allan Labor Government’s apathy towards our police officers and fighting crime places Victorian families at risk.
“The location you are most likely to experience crime is tragically in your own home – the very place where you should feel safe.
“Our police are on the frontline of community protection, yet Labor is not offering them the respect and remuneration they deserve while they struggle with inadequate resourcing.
“The Allan Labor Government’s failures has left many fearing for their safety.”
Ms Bath said Victoria Police has an essential role in maintaining community safety, yet Labor’s inability to close the wage agreement demonstrates a lack of regard for our hardworking officers.
“It’s time for Labor to stop ignoring the crime crisis impacting eastern Victorian residents and start investing in solutions to better protect our community and support Victoria Police.
“The Victorian Nationals are calling for an immediate resolution to the police pay dispute and greater prioritisation of public safety in the face of the worsening crime wave.”
[1] Crime Statistics Agency comparison of 2015-2024 Offences Recorded subdivision B311 Residential Aggravated burglary https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area
[1] Crime Statistics Agency comparison of 2015-2024 Offences Recorded subdivision B311Residential Aggravated burglary https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area
