The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) released today confirms that the crime crisis is worsening.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said analysis of the new CSA figures highlights further increases in crime.
“Not a week goes by without reports of alarming local crimes across our region,” Ms Broad said.
“Just last week a crime forum in Bendigo heard from locals concerned about rising crime rates in our city. People told me they don’t feel safe in the street, they don’t feel safe at our shopping centres, and they don’t feel safe in their homes.
“The Allan Labor Government has failed to fix youth crime; failed to fix bail; and failed to give police the support they need.
“The Government has cut $50 million from the police budget, closed stations and left over 2000 police jobs empty. People in our community are fed up and they want something done about crime.”
The CSA figures show that the number of total offences in Greater Bendigo had risen from 11,926 to 13,075 in the 12 months to June 30 this year – an increase of 10 per cent.
Total offences rose by 24 per cent in Greater Shepparton; 11 per cent in Hepburn; 15 per cent in Loddon; 24 per cent in Macedon Ranges; 12 per cent in Mitchell Shire; 19 per cent in Moorabool; 24 per cent in Mount Alexander; 19 per cent in Nillumbik; 34 per cent in Strathbogie; 23 per cent in Whittlesea; and 16 per cent in Yarra Ranges.
Ms Broad said Victorians would have a choice at next year’s election.
“The choice is more of the same under Labor or a fresh start under the Liberals and Nationals.
“An elected Liberal and Nationals government will deliver our positive plan to fight crime.
“We will introduce Break Bail, Face Jail which means real consequences for repeat and youth offenders. We will legislate Jack’s Law to give police and PSOs the powers and technology to take the knives off the criminals before they get a chance to use them.
“We will also fund Restart and Youthstart programs to divert young people away from crime through discipline, education, counselling, and community support.
“Rising crime is a serious statewide issue, and the statistics show that regional and rural communities are not immune to Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. Labor cannot manage crime, and once again regional Victorians are paying the price,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
