The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the police, protection and prevention our state needs, with new laws, more specialist police, equipment and technology to crack down on serious and organised crime.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville joined Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton to release the Labor Government’s second Community Safety Statement, and announce a $115 million package to be funded in the upcoming Victorian Budget 2018/19.
The Government’s first Community Safety Statement outlined our plan for keeping Victoria safe, with a $2 billion investment that provided the people, resources, laws and support Victoria Police needed. The new Statement recommits the Government and Victoria Police to a shared community safety vision, which includes:
- $24 million for new online investigators and cyber technology to target organised crime online, money laundering, drug and firearm distribution and child exploitation
- $25 million for specialist training and access to longarm firearms for select police in Melbourne and select stations in regional Victoria to better respond to armed offenders
- $36 million for a new police station in Melbourne’s CBD and $5 million for new mobile police stations to tackle crime when and where it happens
- $25 million crime prevention package to support communities, Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council
- Development of legislation to strengthen unlawful association laws to disrupt serious organised crime
- New police powers and reforms to better respond to and prevent terrorism and organised crime
- More laws to further protect police from harm on the job with tougher penalties for offenders
- Longer prison sentences and harsher penalties for drug dealers, tougher consequences for young offenders, and the tightening of Community Corrections Orders for serious criminals
- New compulsory treatment laws for people with multiple and complex needs, including addiction, who pose a risk of violence to others.
This is in addition to the Labor Government’s record investment in 3,135 new police, new specialist equipment and technology, tough new bail laws, stronger sentencing and punishments to hold criminals to account.
Visit communitysafety.vic.gov.au for further details about community safety initiatives in your local area.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“We’re making sure police have everything they need – the powers, the equipment and technology – to tackle serious and organised crime, and keep us safe.”
“This is a comprehensive plan delivering the police, protection and prevention that together will drive down crime and reduce harm in Victoria.”
“We’re further restricting the use of Community Corrections Orders to make sure that people who commit the most serious violent crimes get jail time.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020