Community safety
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:07): My question is to the Premier. Data from the Insurance Council of Australia shows that Victoria is the nation’s car crime capital, with motor vehicle theft claims up by 59 per cent in just one year – the largest annual increase on record – while every other mainland state saw thefts fall. Can the Premier explain why Victoria is the car theft capital of Australia?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:07): The data that the Leader of the Opposition refers to is exactly why, after listening to victims of crime and looking at the challenging circumstances we have toughened the bail laws. We have strengthened the bail laws, we have provided Victoria Police with additional powers and we will continue to support the work of Victoria Police.
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): Claims surged 70 per cent in Melbourne, with 10,000 thefts costing $183 million. Does the Premier accept that Victorians are paying higher premiums because motor vehicle theft is out of control under her government?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:08): In answering the question raised by the Leader of the Opposition, I refer to my answer to the substantive question, which is why we have acted as a government to strengthen the bail laws and give Victoria Police more powers. In regard to the insurance company settings, they are done on a national basis, and I would refer him to that.