Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Premier. New data shows that Melbourne recorded more cars stolen or broken into than any other Australian capital city combined, and as a result Victoria now has the highest car theft insurance losses in the country, at $244 million. Why should Victorian families pay more because of Labor’s crime crisis?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:03): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. I am a new Premier with a new direction: 200 PSOs, giving the chief commissioner everything he needs, 400 reservists –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, this glib response is certainly not relevant.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has only been on his feet for a short time.

Ben CARROLL: If you go through the stats, there are more youths in custody, remand is at a five-year high and there is less bail and more jail under our government. Those opposite have come up with a great plan: more judges.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): The insurance council says the cost of theft ultimately flows through to higher insurance premiums for every motorist. Does the Premier take responsibility for the high premiums Victorians are paying because Labor has turned Victoria into the car theft capital of the nation?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:05): We have always got more work to do. I have always said there will be a choice in November between cuts to the police force and continuing the biggest police force in Australia.