Community safety
Kim WELLS (Rowville) (09:51): This statement condemns the Allan state Labor government for its failure to address the escalating, out-of-control crime crisis across Victoria, particularly the increasing violent and brazen youth crime spree involving aggravated burglaries, home invasions, machete attacks, carjackings, armed hold-ups, thefts and firebombings. Victorians are simply sick and tired of constantly living in fear in their own homes and in fear of being the next victim. Almost on a daily basis we awake to a report of yet another violent machete attack, another home invasion or another carjacking. We have a state Labor government that has prevailed over a growing crime crisis, perhaps the worst since the current crime stats began. Yet it has allowed police numbers to collapse, with Victoria Police now close to 2000 members under strength, with 1100 vacancies, around 700 off on WorkCover and another 200 off on long-term sick leave. Despite some tinkering at the edges Victoria’s bail laws are still weaker than when the Liberals and Nationals were in government. The Allan Labor government has failed to keep Victorians safe at home, on the streets and in their communities. Victorians deserve so much better.