Latest crime statistics have highlighted that offending continues to rise across Gippsland.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said the latest figures from the independent Crime Statistics Agency showed many local communities were experiencing increases in crime, including serious assault and theft-related offences.
“Gippslanders are telling me they feel less safe than they used to, and these figures paint a pretty clear picture of why,” Mr O’Brien said.
“In the Wellington local government area, we have seen an alarming increase in serious assault offences, which have risen by 59 per cent over the past year.
“In Latrobe, local business owners are fighting a losing battle with retail theft up a staggering 72 per cent.
“And in South Gippsland, residents are facing rising levels of residential burglary, which has increased by more than 26 per cent over the past 12 months, including a 100 per cent increase in aggravated burglary.”
Mr O’Brien said these figures reflected broader problems with the Allan Labor Government’s approach to community safety, including a $50 million budget cut to Victoria Police.
“Over recent years, we’ve seen fewer police, reduced police station hours, cuts to crime prevention programs and bail laws that are weaker than they were just two years ago.
“Communities like ours feel the impact of those decisions quickly and acutely.”
Mr O’Brien also highlighted that the growing crime rates are not unique to Gippsland.
“Over the two years since Jacinta Allan became Premier, criminal offending in Victoria has surged. We have seen an increase in the offending rate of more than 20 per cent and around 130,000 more offences recorded year-on-year.”
Mr O’Brien said addressing crime requires a balanced approach that supports police, strengthens laws and invests in prevention.
“That means properly resourcing Victoria Police, backing sensible bail and sentencing laws, and focusing on prevention and early intervention.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals in government are committed to restoring community safety and ending Labor’s crime crisis.”