Wednesday, 30 August 2023

Regional police stations

Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (09:59): I am deeply disturbed by the Andrews government, who are now moving towards abolishment of the current one-man, one-person, police stations. Clearly the government for Melbourne does not understand our rural communities. If these cuts go ahead, our rural communities and small towns will be exposed to increased crime and illegal activity. The Ovens Valley has six one-person police stations – in Tungamah, Katamatite, Glenrowan, Moyhu, Whitfield and Dederang. It would be disgraceful if the debt burden that was created in Melbourne now becomes a catalyst for the closing of these police stations.

All Victorians are entitled to be safe and feel safe in their homes, in their businesses and on their farms. Whether it is crime or accidents that occur in the region, it goes without saying that time is of the essence. To save a life or to stop a thief our one-person police stations walk a tightrope between fitting in and being part of their community at the same time as being the long arm of the law for those who push the boundaries. In the coming weeks there will be opportunities to sign my petition to save our one-person police stations, and I urge you to keep an eye out in those towns mentioned to sign the petition to save the one-man police stations. If you live in or around Tungamah, Katamatite, Whitfield, Glenrowan, Moyhu or Dederang, please seek out the petition and add your signature to support our one-person police stations.