Thursday, 17 August 2023

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:48): (363) My question is to the Minister for Police. Constituents have raised concerns that Victoria Police is negotiating with Police Association Victoria to amend clause 184 in the enterprise bargaining agreement to increase the mobility of one-member police stations for deployment and rostering. The concern is that if the mobility clause is passed, one-member stations may end up backfilling vacancies to meet the staffing requirements of 24-hour police stations and eventually be forced to close. There are 108 one-member police stations in Victoria that provide a valuable service in regional communities. As well as deterring and responding to crime, people feel much safer knowing there is a police presence in the town. One constituent shared how their local police officer is involved at the local school, which teaches students not to fear police. They describe him as a well-respected member of the local community, and they depend on him. Can the minister please assure these local communities by confirming that one-member police stations will remain?