Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (14:44): (1615) My constituency question is for the Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety and Minister for Victims. How is the Victorian Labor government working to make the suburbs of Pascoe Vale, Coburg and Brunswick West safer? Further to my adjournment last night, I was pleased to host a community safety round table with the Premier recently in North Coburg on 11 February, where we heard from a range of locals that have been impacted by crime. Local dad of three Andy described his family’s sense of safety in Coburg and opportunities around prevention. Ahmed Hassan talked about the work of Youth Activating Youth to prevent crime. Marwan El-Houli outlined the benefits of the future $22 million Bachar Houli Foundation in central Coburg for young people. The magnificent Tina Papa from Shirley Robertson Children’s Centre spoke on local antisocial behaviour and road safety impacts on local families. I thank all the locals who took the time to participate and thank the Premier for attending and listening to the views, concerns and productive suggestions, which we will continue to consider through the violence reduction unit. It is also why I commend Victoria Police Merri-bek area inspector Tim Jacobs, who is convening a local neighbourhood policing forum to talk about young people, family violence, road policing and drugs. It is happening on 23 April at the Coburg town hall from 6 pm to 9 pm. I encourage all residents to come along and have a say.