Premier of Victoria

«Back to previous

Budget infrastructure boost underpins Coalition’s law and order commitments

The Victorian Coalition Government will invest $133 million in new infrastructure as the benefits of its record investment in more frontline police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) continue to be realised across the state.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the funding injection to upgrade and build new police facilities underpinned the Coalition Government's election promise to recruit 1,700 new police officers and 940 PSOs by 2014.

"The 2012-13 Victorian Budget includes $56 million to upgrade or refurbish police stations and an additional $21.7 million to upgrade train station facilities to accommodate PSOs," Mr Ryan said.

"This Budget is about investing in record state infrastructure spend, enhancing frontline services and taking new measures to protect the most vulnerable Victorians."

"The community is already seeing the benefits of additional frontline resources, with 850 extra police officers and 93 PSOs operating at train stations in Melbourne by the end of June this year.

"Victoria's challenges are real and they are serious, and the Coalition Government is taking a responsible and necessary approach to investing in improved resources, including modern police facilities, that support the great work our police men and women do in keeping Victorians safe."

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had also allocated an additional $54.6 million for new and upgraded facilities to support the needs of Victoria Police into the future.

"Last year's Budget included an allocation of $3 million for the initial phase of the Victoria Police Operational Tactics and Safety Training (OTST) complex in Essendon. This year we are providing an additional $27 million to keep that project on track," Mr Ryan said.

"The facility provides mandatory biannual operational training to all Victoria Police members and is a critical part of maintaining a skilled and modern police force."

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government was continuing to deliver its law and order election commitments with $13.6 million provided in this year's Budget for a new police station and VICSES combined facility at Waurn Ponds and $6.27 million to build a new Emerald police station.

"As part of the Coalition Government's $21.7 million funding commitment towards upgraded train station facilities, Victoria Police will continue working with Public Transport Victoria to determine the order of stations to undergo construction works," Mr Ryan said.

"The additional $133 million investment will ensure our police and PSOs have modern policing facilities and infrastructure that provides the capacity to grow and adapt to future demands."

Download PDF 564.78 Kb