Thursday, 23 February 2023

Ballarat crime

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (17:47): (69) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Police, and the action that I seek is for the minister to visit local traders in the Bridge Mall area in Ballarat to listen to their concerns about the increase in antisocial behaviour and crime experienced. As reported in the Ballarat Courier on 16 February, a number of small businesses have been subject to multiple incidents involving threatening behaviour and violence. This has been described as ‘out of control’. Rose Massage, a small business on Little Bridge Street, had a visit from several young men who hurled abuse at the female business owner and her employee. I want to quote from the victim:

It’s out of control now …

At one stage a couple of weeks ago, it was happening … every day.

We just want to work peacefully, but I wake up every day worrying.

…

… it just keeps happening – on and on and on.

Minister, please come to Ballarat and listen to locals. We need urgent action to ensure that small businesses are protected from the threats of violence and that something can actually be done to stop this antisocial behaviour.