Wednesday, 17 June 2026

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (10:39): On 11 June, as the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Safety, I had the privilege to attend the violence reduction unit, VRU, inaugural community safety regional forum, joining the Attorney-General; western parliamentary colleagues from St Albans, Laverton, Sydenham and Melton; Andrea Davidson, the VRU CEO; and 130-plus community leaders, service providers and locals. The forum was held at the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine and provided for an extensive day of listening and learning about the incredible work underway across the west by so many to help tackle and respond to the drivers and root causes of crime – housing, employment, education, mental health, wellbeing, socioeconomic opportunities and barriers. I thank all for attending and contributing to the forum, which will help inform and guide the VRU’s ongoing work to identify and support more early intervention and diversion programs that can help make our community safer.

On 29 May, as Parliamentary Secretary for Community Safety, I had the pleasure to join the member for St Albans for a community safety round table with the St Albans traders to discuss strengthening local safety initiatives, including the good news that PSOs are patrolling St Albans station from daytime to last train, and ongoing opportunities to enhance local ambience and amenity for traders, shoppers and families alike. Again, I thank all for that contribution, which will be conveyed back to the violence reduction unit.

On 23 April I attended the Victoria Police neighbourhood policing forum at the Coburg town hall, attended by Superintendent Wayne Cheesman, Merri-bek area commander Tim Jacobs, local police officers and around 100 local residents. The forum covered a range of topics, including overall crime trends, family violence, road safety, young people and tips on crime prevention and community safety.

I also attended on 14 May the Pascoe Vale Rotary community policing awards to commend all of our hardworking local police officers for their efforts.