Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Paul EDBROOKE (Frankston – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:28): Crime is going in a new direction under the Carroll Labor government: down. That is right. Crime is falling across Victoria. Youth crime is down, burglary is down, motor vehicle theft is down and the number of victims is down 7.6 per cent, the biggest decrease in five years. Bail refusals are up almost 30 per cent. We have the toughest bail laws in the country, and they are delivering serious consequences. More police, tougher laws, stronger powers, serious consequences. But a single victim of crime is still one too many. Crime is still too high. There is still more work to do. That is why we will continue to deliver more police on the beat. We will back Victoria Police with enhanced stop-and-search powers to get more dangerous weapons off the street. While today’s crime stats are positive news, we do have concerns on this side of the house about the increase in online scams and deception. There is one particular scam that Victorians should be very, very worried about this November. That is the Liberal–One Nation coalition scam, promising one thing and delivering another.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker: misuse of a ministers statement.

The SPEAKER: The minister will come back to his ministers statement without attacking the opposition, if he can.

Paul EDBROOKE: He is as sharp as a box full of hammers, that one. Promising one thing and delivering another, they will cut 30,000 workers, they will close hospitals and they will shut schools. They should hang their heads in shame. They might be happy –

The SPEAKER: The minister will resume his seat.

Paul Edbrooke interjected.

The SPEAKER: Actually, the Minister for Police can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Minister for Police withdrew from chamber.