Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Police resources

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) presented a petition bearing 1982 signatures:

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that one-person police stations provide assurance for the regional communities they serve. Not having to travel to attend larger busy stations to engage with police is important for small, often remote communities. These communities need peace of mind and to feel safe and secure in their homes. Clause 184.8 of the Victoria Police (Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, Police Reservists and Police Recruits) Enterprise Agreement 2019 currently states one-person station employees can only be rostered away from their response zone in emergencies or critical situations and only if the employee’s area does not suffer in terms of provision of service to his or her local community. Victoria Police has lodged claims with the union that would amend clause 184, increase the mobility for deployment and rostering of one-person station employees. If successful, employees from 98 one-person stations in small towns across Victoria may be forced from their posts and rostered out to larger regional centres and cities, which would undermine the security of rural communities. With more than 800 police vacancies in Victoria, closing these stations cannot be the solution.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government and Victoria Police to guarantee that no amendments are made to the Victoria Police (Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, Police Reservists and Police Recruits) Enterprise Agreement 2019 to remove employees from one-person police stations which would put community safety at risk.

Joe McCRACKEN: I move:

That the petition be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.