Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr LIMBRICK (South Eastern Metropolitan) (6 June 2019)

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police and Emergency Services):

Neighbour disputes can be complex and can escalate quickly. If your constituent fears for their safety, they should call the emergency number ‘000’ for immediate police assistance. There are a range of laws in place to protect them, including applying for a personal safety intervention order if they have been assaulted, harassed or threatened, or their property has been damaged, at any Magistrates’ Court in Victoria.

While it is not appropriate to comment on a specific case or police operational matters, my office has now been in touch to ascertain specific details regarding this matter and have referred them to Victoria Police.

Additionally, the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is able to provide assistance with these matters. DSCV is a free dispute resolution service funded by the Victorian Government, which provides mediation services, as well as training and accrediting mediators to national standards. DSCV can help resolve neighbourhood disputes involving fences, noise and disputes about difficult or anti-social behaviour.