Thursday, 31 July 2025

Western Metropolitan Region

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (12:43): (1701) My question is directed to the Minister for Community Safety. Can the minister please update my constituents on the need for local councils to take urgent measures in crime prevention by hiring private security to patrol their streets? It is concerning to note that Maribyrnong City Council in my electorate has recently voted to hire a patrol guard for Footscray CBD to address the community’s concern following a series of crime incidents. Additionally, Wyndham City Council has approved $370,000 for private security patrols at Truganina – another crime hotspot. Meanwhile, residents in Tarneit are forming community groups to discuss hiring private security to patrol their streets. What we are seeing is a lack of action from the Labor government, which is shifting state government responsibility onto local councils and communities. As a result, councils are compelled to hire patrol guards to ensure community safety. Residents are effectively paying private security to protect their businesses and children.