Wednesday, 2 April 2025

 Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) (19:08): (1104) My adjournment matter this evening is for the attention of the Minister for Police. The action I seek is that the minister joins me in my electorate to meet with Creswick police officers and community leaders to discuss safety in our region. In January I joined over 100 Creswick locals at a public meeting with Victoria Police in the senior citizens hall to talk about the issues impacting community safety. It was an opportunity for locals to voice their concerns and experiences, and a lot of great ideas were shared about how we can better address crime, especially for repeat offenders of theft, property damage and hoon behaviour. Many residents were keen to see a taskforce set up, bringing together police, local government and support services to make sure Creswick remains a safe place to live and work. This is something I am eager for the minister to further discuss with police and residents, including Acting Sergeant Marley Mookhoek. I am so pleased that our government has since announced tougher bail laws to crack down on reoffending, ban machetes and make families feel safer in their homes. Creswick locals are still keen to talk through options to do more with the minister, and I look forward to providing them with his response.