The Allan Labor Government has been forced into an embarrassing backflip, reinstating funding for ground maintenance at local police stations after The Nationals exposed government cuts.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said that while Labor has restored funding for mowing and general grounds upkeep, it is understood that cost cutting will still see police stations go without basic maintenance such as cleaning windows and replacing blown lightbulbs.
“This is a win for common sense and a win for our hardworking police, but it shouldn’t take the Opposition calling it out for Labor to do the right thing,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Police shouldn’t be left to work in the dark or in unclean conditions because the Government can’t manage money.”
A leaked memo revealed the Allan Labor Government had “significantly reduced” funding for station maintenance, with work now only occurring where there is a health or safety risk.
Mr O’Brien said the partial reversal shows how out of touch the Government is with regional communities and the challenges faced by local police.
“Our communities are already suffering the consequences of Labor’s failures, with crime on the rise right across Gippsland,” Mr O’Brien said.
“There are huge numbers of unfilled police vacancies, closed and understaffed stations, and weaker bail laws that have all made things worse.
“Now Labor expects police to literally work in the dark. It’s hard enough attracting and keeping officers in regional communities, but this sends a clear message that their work isn’t being valued.”
Crime has risen across every part of Gippsland over the past year, with offences up 20.6 per cent in Baw Baw, 11.8 per cent in Latrobe City, 10 per cent in Bass Coast, 3.5 per cent in South Gippsland, 15.4 per cent in Wellington, and 7 per cent in East Gippsland.
Mr O’Brien said his office regularly hears from community members who feel their towns need a stronger police presence.
“Instead of supporting our frontline officers, Labor is cutting maintenance and letting our police stations fall apart.
“Our police deserve safe, clean and functional workplaces and should not be left in the dark, literally or figuratively, by a government that’s lost control of law and order.
“Labor can’t manage money and it’s our local police and the communities they serve that are paying the price.”