Families across Lowan deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses, and communities but rising crime and stretched police resources are leaving too many locals worried about becoming the next victim.
Across our region we have seen cars broken into and stolen, fuel and equipment stolen from farms, businesses targeted by thieves, and serious incidents involving knives and machetes.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said local police were doing an outstanding job but needed more officers, better resources, and stronger laws behind them.
“Our local police work incredibly hard to keep us safe, but they cannot be everywhere when there simply are not enough officers to fill the rosters,” Ms Kealy said.
“People are installing more cameras, locking sheds and gates, and worrying about whether their car will still be there in the morning. That is not something we should simply accept as the new normal.”
Police access has also been reduced across the electorate.
Horsham, Stawell, and Hamilton police stations are all now operating with reduced public counter hours. Horsham and Stawell are open to the public for just eight hours a day, from 10am to 6pm, while Hamilton is no longer a 24-hour public counter.
“At a time when people are increasingly worried about crime, the answer cannot be fewer hours at the front door of our local police stations,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our police are doing everything they can, but they have been left stretched too thin. We need more police on the ground so officers can respond to crime, maintain a visible presence in our communities, and keep our local police stations open.”
More than 40 police stations across Victoria have been closed or placed on reduced hours, while police rosters are carrying significant vacancies.
The Nationals have a comprehensive Safer Communities Plan to turn that around.
A Nationals and Liberals Government will recruit 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers, fill roster vacancies, and reopen police stations that have been closed or placed on reduced hours.
The plan will also introduce Break Bail, Face Jail laws, with a strict one strike bail rule for serious offenders who commit another serious offence while already on bail.
Adult Crime, Adult Time laws will be expanded to cover 20 serious offences, including burglary, serious assault, and attempted murder.
Jack’s Law will give police stronger powers to detect and remove knives and machetes from public places, while investment in youth diversion will help intervene before young people become entrenched in serious offending.
“This is about getting the balance right. We need consequences for serious and repeat offenders, but we also need early intervention to stop young people heading down that path in the first place,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our plan means 3,000 additional police, local police stations reopened, stronger bail laws, tougher consequences for serious repeat offenders, and more power for police to get dangerous knives off our streets.
“Whether you live on a farm, run a business or raise a family in one of our towns, you have a right to feel safe.
“The Nationals will back our police, put victims and community safety first and make Lowan safer.”
