Wednesday, 1 May 2024

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (17:36): (860) My matter is for the Minister for Police. I rise to speak on the continuing surge of youth violence and gang activity across Melbourne’s western suburbs. There was the recent apprehension of 50 gang members and repeat offenders during a school holiday blitz. Youths were arrested for affray with machetes, knives and axes during the daylight attack in the Melton shopping centre and just overnight a 16-year-old boy was arrested for stabbing a man in St Albans. I emphasise the urgent need for action to address these escalating issues. The action I seek is for the Minister for Police to allocate the necessary resources to Victoria Police, especially in the north-western region, for them to effectively patrol, monitor and prevent the escalation of such crimes.

In just four days law enforcement officers apprehended 20 children aged from 10 to 17 and adults as young as 18 and older. The activity of the offenders included a home invasion in Braybrook, where armed offenders terrorised residents, smashed a window and gained access to the house with knives and machetes. There is evidence that criminal elements pose significant threats to the safety and wellbeing of our communities. These gangs have a blatant disregard for law and order.

It is believed that there are over 600 youth in gangs at the moment, and over 43 known gangs are actively monitored by Victoria Police, which shows the scale of the challenge we face. A priority of additional resource allocation is to man stations, increase surveillance capacities, enhance investigational priorities, disrupt criminal activities and dismantle gang networks operating in our neighbourhoods. We must take concrete steps to address the root causes of youth gang involvements and implement effective strategies to prevent further escalation of violence in our communities. These resources will also enable Victoria Police to invest in community policing initiatives, youth outreach programs and social support services for youth, which are crucial in addressing the roots of youth gang involvement, preventing at-risk individuals and turning their lives away from crime. I urge the minister to allocate the necessary funds to Victoria Police, especially in the north-western region.