3,000 More Police

The Nationals will recruit 3,000 more police officers to boost frontline numbers and reopen the more than 40 police stations closed by Labor or now running on reduced hours. Half of all recruits will be experienced officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. Western Australia has used this approach successfully. A relocation allowance and a dedicated recruitment campaign will get more officers on the beat, faster.

Break Bail, Face Jail

Under Labor, repeat offenders cycle through a revolving door of weak bail laws. The Nationals will make sure offenders who break their bail conditions face jail, rather than being released back into the community, and anyone who commits a serious offence while on bail will be automatically denied bail. Burglary, serious assault and attempted murder will be treated as adult crimes, so serious violent and sexual offenders face tough penalties regardless of their age.

Prevention and Accountability

Tougher laws work best alongside programs that stop young people offending in the first place. Our $100 million Safer Communities Plan will fund Restart, a Victorian-first residential program that gives serious repeat offenders aged 12 to 17 a pathway out of crime through discipline, education and counselling. Youthstart will back proven community programs, including Youth Justice Hubs, mentoring and family-based case management.