Wednesday, 2 April 2025

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:05): My question is to the Premier. Victoria’s crime crisis is at record levels under the leadership of the Allan Labor government. Today it was reported that acting chief commissioner Rick Nugent is not applying for the role of chief commissioner. Can the Premier guarantee to any person who applies for this role that the continuous political interference will end, allowing them to get on with the job of reducing crime in Victoria?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:05): In acknowledging the Leader of the Opposition’s question, can I make it absolutely clear that I absolutely reject the statement that he made at the end of his question regarding this government’s role. I think, though, those of us on this side of the house can understand why the Leader of the Opposition thinks this, because this is exactly how the former Liberal government behaved when they were in government. I absolutely reject the allegation that has been made in the question, and I also thank acting chief commissioner Rick Nugent for continuing to serve in the role.

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): The government continues to ignore advice, including calls for the Allan Labor government to not weaken bail laws in March 2023, which has led to record crime in Victoria. Will the Premier guarantee that the next chief commissioner will have full independence to do their role in keeping Victoria safe?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:07): Again, in answering the Leader of the Opposition’s question, I reiterate that the government I lead – the way this government interacts with Victoria Police – is one that respects the hard work of the men and women of Victoria Police. Of course in taking the advice and indeed as part of respecting the hard work of the men and women of Victoria Police just consider the actions of my government in the last few weeks. We have the toughest bail laws in the country, Australia’s first machete ban and, as of today, toughened hate crime laws, giving police more power –

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is debating the question. It was very narrow, about whether the chief commissioner will have full independence.

The SPEAKER: The Premier will come back to the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: I did answer it at the outset, Speaker, and I was going on to refer to how, in listening to the advice of Victoria Police, hate is now a crime in this state. You cannot pick and choose which law and order issue you are on the side of. We are on the side of Victoria Police, and we back the hard work of the men and women of Victoria Police.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Members will be removed without warning. Yes, I am looking at you, member for Eureka.