The Nationals have again stood up for Latrobe Valley residents and businesses in state parliament, demanding the Labor Government immediately address rising crime and properly resource local police.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said crime in the Latrobe Valley had increased by 30 per cent over the past four years, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned about community safety.
“Business owners and residents have had enough,” Ms Bath said.
“Local small business owner Nathan Theissling has experienced the impact of crime firsthand over the past year, witnessing a violent carjacking, serious assaults, a ram raid and a growing wave of youth offending.
“The Latrobe Valley is a resilient and hardworking community, but many locals are frustrated by Labor’s failure to reverse rising crime.
“Our local police officers do an outstanding job, but they need the resources and laws to effectively combat lawlessness and keep communities safe.
“The Valley has eight fewer full time police officers than it did two years ago, reducing police presence and placing additional pressure on frontline officers.”
Member for Morwell Martin Cameron said the Latrobe Valley was paying the price for Labor’s failure to get tough on crime.
“Labor continues to pedal headlines instead of solutions,” Mr Cameron said.
“Whether it’s machete bins or another announcement with no clear delivery plan, local communities deserve real action, not Labor media stunts.
“The recent Gippsland Police Academy announcement came with no confirmed location, timeline or certainty for our community.”
“In contrast, The Nationals had a comprehensive plan to strengthen community safety, including 3,000 additional police officers, reopening police stations, stronger sentencing laws, adult time for adult crime, improved pursuit laws and targeted early intervention programs.
“The Nationals will always stand up for Latrobe Valley locals and fight for safer streets, stronger communities and a better future for our region.
“My Latrobe Valley community is fed up, they deserve law and order and community safety restored.”
