The Nationals have criticised the Allan Government’s police recruitment announcement for Gippsland, accusing Labor of failing to address police shortages and recruitment challenges for years.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said Labor was long on headlines but short on details, with no clear timeframe or location provided for the proposed Gippsland police training centre.
“Victoria Police workforce shortages were evident in 2022 – there were more than 1,000 vacancies then, and that number has now grown to around 1,500,” Ms Bath said.
“After years of inaction, to make this announcement mere months before a state election and in the midst of a crime crisis is too little too late.
“We’re not opposed to a Gippsland police training centre – but Labor has failed to address the blockages plaguing the recruitment and onboarding of suitable Victorian police applicants.
“By contrast, the Liberal and Nationals’ Safer Communities Plan clearly outlines how we will deliver 3,000 additional police officers, 200 new Protective Services Officers, and a one-strike bail rule for offenders who commit further offences while on bail.
“While Labor chases headlines, 40 police stations remain closed or operating on reduced hours – The Nationals’ focus is on boosting police numbers and getting those stations back open.”
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said Labor had failed to explain where the Gippsland Police Training Centre would be located or when it would be delivered.
“Crime has been a longstanding issue in the Latrobe Valley, and locals deserve much more than a flimsy headline devoid of detail,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Valley consistently records one of the highest crime rates in Victoria, yet our hardworking police officers do not have the resources needed to keep our communities safe.
“The Allan Government is soft on crime – it’s turned Victoria’s bail system into a merry-go-round that puts violent offenders back onto our streets, only for them to reoffend and place even greater pressure on our police resources.
“Labor has left Victoria Police under resourced for far too long, and officers don’t have the legislative backing needed to effectively tackle youth crime, knife crime, retail theft and drug-related offending.”