The Allan Labor Government has slashed funding for youth crime prevention programs as The Nationals put forward real solutions in the midst of a statewide crime crisis.
Under Labor’s watch, youth crime prevention funding has plunged from an average of almost $13 million a year between 2014-22 to just $541,000 in each of the past three years.
While Labor cuts, The Nationals in government will introduce a new $100 million Safer Communities Plan to restore safety and confidence across the state.
The comprehensive plan will deliver tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs that will make a difference in every regional community.
It builds on the Break Bail, Face Jail policy – ensuring there are consequences for first time and repeat offenders.
Our plan includes:
- Jack’s Law for Victoria – giving police the power to remove weapons from our streets.
- Restart – a Victorian-first residential responsibility and discipline program for serious and repeat offenders.
- Youthstart – co-ordinated community-based interventions to help at-risk young people make better choices.
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien, said this approach combines strong laws with early intervention.
“Families deserve to feel safe in their homes, at the shops and on the streets. Our plan is about consequences for offenders, but also about giving young people the support, discipline and hope they need to turn their lives around,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We know the crime crisis is hitting hard in regional Victoria. In Premier Allan’s backyard, Bendigo, the criminal incident rate has jumped almost 20 per cent in the past year. Latrobe is now ranked the third-highest crime rate per capita in the state and Mildura fourth.
“On top of that, youth offending is up nearly 40 per cent over the past decade under Labor. This is a crisis and the numbers tell the story of communities that are crying out for change.
“While Premier Allan cuts prevention programs and oversees weak bail laws, The Nationals and Liberals have a clear plan to restore community safety.
“Labor can’t manage crime and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
