More than 62 criminal offences are recorded on average every day across the three local government areas that make up the Gippsland South electorate, according to new Crime Statistics Agency data showing crime continues to rise across the region.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said the figures prove that the Allan Labor Government has failed to get on top of Victoria’s growing crime problem, with recorded criminal offences across the electorate increasing by 5.5 per cent in the year to March 2026.
“These figures show the reality of rising crime across Gippsland, which is being felt by local families, businesses and communities every day,” Mr O’Brien said.
“South Gippsland has been the hardest hit, with recorded criminal offences increasing by 15.2 per cent, with significant increases recorded in Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster, Mirboo North and Venus Bay.
“Most concerning is the dramatic increase in recorded sexual offences, which surged almost 150 per cent in just 12 months.
“Across Wellington Shire, theft from vehicles rose by more than 53 per cent, while theft from retail stores also continue to rise, placing further pressure on local businesses already doing it tough.”
Mr O’Brien said these latest figures highlight the urgent need for stronger action to support police and restore community safety.
“After more than a decade of Labor, we are seeing crime rise while frontline police are being stretched to breaking point.
“The Allan Labor Government has its priorities wrong. Instead of focusing on community safety, it continues to waste taxpayers’ money while Gippslanders are left dealing with the consequences.
“Only The Nationals in government will end the crime crisis and keep you safe.
“We will hire an additional 3,000 police officers and reopen every police station that has been closed or faced reduced hours under Labor.
“The Nationals will back our police, strengthen the justice system and introduce tough new measures to both prevent and punish crime.
“Gippslanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their communities.
“We’ll stop the waste and end the corruption so we can deliver the protection Victorians deserve.
“Only The Nationals in government have a plan to stop the waste and end the corruption so we can bring crime rates down and give Gippsland the fresh start it needs to keep our communities safe.”
