- Published:
- Friday 14 August 2026
Labor is stepping up the fight against crime with a boost to community safety programs across Melbourne’s west, north and southeast.
Building on our plan to recruit 200 PSOs – and put them where they are needed, Labor is tackling the issues that drive crime and make Victorians feel unsafe.
Labor is backing practical solutions that make the places Victorians shop, work and spend time safer.
More frontline support
The Community Connectors program will expand to Sunshine and St Albans stations – building on its success at Footscray, Dandenong, Springvale, Noble Park and Frankston.
The program is also expanding to Broadmeadows later this month.
Community Connectors bring expertise in mental health, trauma, homelessness, alcohol and drug issues, family violence and crisis support to the frontline.
They patrol around train stations and help vulnerable people in crisis before situations escalate further.
Since launching in 2023, the program has supported more than 13,000 people, made hundreds of referrals to specialist services, supported emergency service responses and helped prevent and de-escalate incidents.
The expansion builds on Labor’s work to stop crime before it happens through the Violence Reduction Unit.
Stronger security for local councils
The Government will establish a $10 million Local Community Safety Infrastructure Fund for councils to strengthen their security including in Melbourne’s west.
The Fund will back councils to purchase practical upgrades such as CCTV and improved lighting.
This will help councils protect local businesses, workers and customers by making shopping strips and community spaces safer.
Tackling alcohol and drug-related harm
Labor is delivering $7 million to expand targeted harm reduction responses in communities that need it most.
This will expand high-visibility services to Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Greater Dandenong.
Trained in de-escalation and early intervention, outreach workers will provide people with the health and social supports they need - making public spaces safer for traders, shoppers and families.
This builds on successful programs delivered as part of the Statewide Action Plan.
A safer Melbourne’s west
More people on the ground, stronger security and earlier intervention – that’s Labor’s plan to make Melbourne’s west safer.
While Labor is investing in community safety, Jess Wilson’s Liberal-One Nation Coalition is promising $40 billion in cuts.
That only means one thing: cuts to the frontline services and support that Victorians rely on.
Victorians can’t afford that – only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable.
Quote attributable to Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny
“Community safety means having the right people in the right places to make sure Victorians get the support they need when they need it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Police Paul Edbrooke
“Building on more PSOs in the places people shop and visit – Labor is giving local councils the resources they need to strengthen security, prevent crime and make shopping strips safer for everyone.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward
“We’re expanding Community Connectors and continuing to strengthen safety across our transport network.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"Early intervention can change lives - and by getting support to people sooner, we reduce drug-related harm and improve safety across our communities."
Quote attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“Our community deserves to be a safe place to live and work, and these investments will put more people on the ground to prevent crime and support our local community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
“This is a real investment in our community safety – supporting local businesses, putting more people on the ground and making sure people get help before problems escalate.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“People should feel safe walking through their local shopping strip, catching a train or spending time in their community – and that’s exactly what these investments are about.”