The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad is keen to raise awareness of a new plan to make our communities safer, ahead of a crime forum in Bendigo tomorrow, Tuesday September 16.
Ms Broad said a future Liberal Nationals Government will commit $100 million to the Safer Communities Plan.
The plan builds on the Break Bail, Face Jail policy and includes a range of anti-crime measures such as a residential offender’s program and the introduction of Jack’s Law.
Break Bail, Face Jail laws will ensure there are consequences for first time and repeat offenders and will now be complemented by:
- The introduction of Jack’s Law for Victoria – which will enable police to remove weapons from our streets, including machetes;
- The establishment of Restart – a Victorian-first residential responsibility and discipline program; and
- Youthstart – Co-ordinated community-based interventions.
Ms Broad said Labor’s soft-on-crime approach was clearly not working.
“Right across Northern Victoria we are seeing crime rates continue to rise, and $13 million spent on machete bins is a joke,” Ms Broad said.
Recent figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show an increase in all areas of crime in Bendigo.
“Total offences rose 14 per cent from 11,434 to 13,049 offences in a year. Theft from retail stores rose a massive 84 per cent; aggravated robbery was up 60 per cent; motor vehicle theft up 21 per cent; residential non-aggravated burglary up 35 per cent; residential aggravated burglary up 36 per cent – which is very upsetting for residents; and total serious assault up 14 per cent.
“In Shepparton, total offences were up 22 per cent; motor vehicle theft was up 60 per cent; stealing from a retail store up a massive 110 per cent (from 267 offences to 560); and total serious assault was up 14 per cent.
“In Loddon Shire there has been a disturbing increase in stock theft as well as other crime. Total offences were up 27 per cent; residential aggravated burglary up 18 per cent; stealing from a motor vehicle up 28 per cent; and stealing from a retail store up 39 per cent.”
A community crime forum will be held in Bendigo, tomorrow, Tuesday 16 September at the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club from 5.30pm to 7pm. It will be hosted by Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick. Registrations can be made by clicking here: Bendigo Community Crime Forum
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
