Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:03): Our Labor government is tough on the causes of crime and we make no apology for it, because our first duty is keeping people safe – safe in their homes, safe on the streets and safe on public transport. Victorians deserve laws that protect victims; criminals deserve consequences for serious crime. We will treat violence like it is a stab wound in an emergency department, because violence is a disease and we are going to do everything we can to make sure we do. That is why we introduced adult time for violent crime. That is why there are more police, more PSOs and more reservists. It is why bail refusals are at record highs. And today we are going further, protecting women and victim-survivors. We are making coercive control a standalone crime. We are stopping convicted –

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: I thought those opposite would want to listen to this. We are making convicted rapists hiding behind suppression orders –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is required to be factual. He voted against coercive control laws.

The SPEAKER: I do not uphold the point of order.

Ben CARROLL: Thirdly, we are stopping perpetrators using good character references to argue for lighter sentences. The principle is simple: our justice system should put victims before offenders. Those opposite like to talk tough, but we know what their record is. Last time they were in office $100 million was cut from Victoria Police.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Members will be removed from the chamber without warning.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity for the Premier to falsely attack the opposition.

Anthony Carbines: On the point of order, Speaker, the Premier is well within his rights to compare and contrast Labor’s new policies and new directions and support with those opposite, who continue to cut from Victoria Police when they have the opportunity.

The SPEAKER: I do not uphold the point of order.

Ben CARROLL: I apologise. It is actually $40 billion they want to cut from Victoria Police, law and order and our courts, making Victoria more unsafe.

James Newbury: Speaker, I renew my point of order.

The SPEAKER: I ask the Premier to come back to his ministers statement.

Ben CARROLL: On this side of the chamber we will strengthen our laws, back our police and hold serious offenders to account because every single Victorian deserves to feel safe, and as Premier I am committed to doing that.