Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Footscray electorate community safety

Katie HALL (Footscray) (19:13): (318) I wish to raise a matter with the Minister for Police, and the action I seek from the minister is for him to visit my electorate of Footscray and join me in meeting with some of the local business owners and traders groups in both Footscray and West Footscray to discuss matters of local safety. I have been recently approached by a number of traders who are seeking advice on this topic for their businesses. Many of these are hospitality venues that experience some additional challenges due to later operating hours.

I have met with local council – the City of Maribyrnong’s mayor and CEO – to raise these issues and discuss the possibilities for urban design improvements that might help promote safety through greater activation and additional lighting, and I will continue with this engagement. I have also recently met with the local police inspector to discuss ideas that might assist traders. It is understood that there are complexities involved in addressing matters of public safety, and I would welcome the minister’s visit to meet with local business owners and to explain in person the proactive community policing initiatives underway that will continue to support them.