Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Brunswick housing estate security

This petition of the residents and neighbours of the public housing estate at 351 Barkly Street in Brunswick draws to the attention of the House that this estate is in need of security guards 24 hours per day.

There are ongoing reports of unauthorised visitors entering and even living in the building. This has undermined the safety and security of the residents—particularly during the pandemic, when the presence of additional people increases the risk of an outbreak in a senior population. The presence of these unauthorised visitors has also led to an increase in illegal activity in and around the housing estate, which has endangered residents as well as their neighbours.

Residents are pleased that the housing estate has recently been provided with some level of security. However, the security guards are only present for a short time each night. This means that the presence of unauthorised visitors and illegal activity has not been prevented, but only temporarily delayed each night until the security guards have left.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria authorise 24-hour security guards at 351 Barkly Street, Brunswick, to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of the housing residents and their neighbours.

By Dr READ (Brunswick) (76 signatures).

Tabled.

Ordered that petition lodged by member for Brunswick be considered next day on motion of Dr READ (Brunswick).