Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Kim WELLS (Rowville) (09:58): This statement condemns the Allan state Labor government for its failure to address the out-of-control crime crisis across Victoria, as evidenced by the recent release of the state’s deeply concerning annual crime stats for the year to June 2025. The stats confirm what every Victorian already knows: we are living through an out-of-control crime wave, with crime now at its highest level in 20 years. The data shows a massive 16 per cent surge in crime, meaning a serious offence is committed every 49.4 seconds in this state. This is not a statistical blip, this is a crisis. Every day 20 homes are violently invaded and 79 cars are stolen – that is a car taken every 18 minutes. And why? Because the Allan Labor government has overseen a revolving door justice system and cut essential frontline resources. In contrast, the Liberals and Nationals have a plan: restore consequences, with ‘break bail, face jail’ ending the free pass; introduce Jack’s law to give our brave police the tools and technology to take knives and weapons off criminals immediately; ensure sentences send a loud and clear message that serious crimes committed in Victoria will face serious consequences; and invest in programs to divert young people away from crime. It is time to stop the revolving door of justice, properly staff our police force, support victims and toughen our laws.