Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (14:07): My question is to the Premier. Victoria has the highest number of home burglary insurance claims in the nation, with almost 3900 claims costing more than $56 million last year. Isn’t it a fact that Victorians are paying more while having their sense of safety crushed because of this Labor government’s catch-and-release bail system?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:07): I reject the premise of the question. Remand is at a five-year high.

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (14:08): The Premier has said, ‘Victorians have told us they want police stations open and, when they enter a police station, someone to be there at the counter.’ With home burglary claims the highest in the nation, why is the government closing another four police stations?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:08): We are investing in 400 reservists that will keep police stations open. I met with the chief commissioner on Tuesday, and I met with Wayne Gatt today. We are investing in police; you cut police.

The SPEAKER: The Premier will address his commentary through the Speaker’s chair.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this question was very specifically about the four police stations that the Premier has closed. The Premier has closed those four stations. It is only reasonable that he responds to that part of the question.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has concluded his answer.