Crime
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:41): (1028) My question is again to the Treasurer. Treasurer, I note the recent comments of the chief executive of Coles Leah Weckert that threatening behaviour towards the supermarket giant’s retail staff is increasing, especially in Victoria, despite the company investing in extra technology to reduce theft since 2023, when a crime surge began. Her further comments were:
Despite all the investments that we’ve made in the loss technology, despite the investment that we’ve made in safety … we are continuing to see increases in threatening situations in store … And it is definitely the case that in Victoria, retail crime is escalating more than what we are seeing in other states.
I therefore ask: is it a fact, Treasurer, that the business and investment climate, especially for retail, is being cruelled in Victoria by a retail crime wave that is driving firms and investment away from Victoria?
Members interjecting.
The PRESIDENT: Order! I am just concerned that is asking an opinion, but I will let the Treasurer respond as she sees fit.
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:42): Mr Davis, there is a range of issues you raised and a range of ministers you could have directed them to, including the Attorney-General, the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Treasurer. You did end with claims about business investment being decreased, I think was your language. The latest data – and again, the data, not just me making this up – shows that Victorian business investment increased by 3.7 per cent over the year to December, and nationally business investment went backwards 0.1 per cent. So the contrast between where we are headed compared to other states is really positive. The fact that you continue to say it is not is on you.
In relation to support for retail workers, that is something that we have committed to doing in relation to retail worker harm. That is legislation that is being developed in consultation with the big operators as well as small business. We know that retail theft is a concern for businesses and the community more broadly. It is a conversation that we are also having with police – and this is work that started before I transitioned to this role. There is also the industrial relations ability to work with businesses about things like security, safety and things like that. There is a holistic approach to this issue across government from a number of portfolios.
But linking a concerning behaviour that we are aware of and we are trying to deal with from a number of perspectives with stats that do not line up is probably not the way – my gratuitous advice to you – I would frame the question. I am happy to answer it in different segments. Business investment is up. Retail crime is a concern. Linking them is not something that I think you have got any evidence to be able to do.
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:44): I thank the Treasurer for her response, and I want to ask her further on this topic: the AFR released retail crime figures by state, showing in the first six months of this year threatening events in Victoria were up 41 per cent and violent offences were up 33 per cent – far and away from any other comparable jurisdiction. I ask: how is it possible for the retail sector, a critical sector for the Victorian economy, to thrive when retailers and their staff are being threatened and pummelled? Why would any retail investor invest in Victoria in those circumstances?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:45): Again, Mr Davis, the issues you raise are issues of importance. We share concerns about retail theft, and I went through some of the initiatives, programs and opportunities that we are working with willing partners on to address some of these issues – not necessarily through my Treasury portfolio. In relation to business investment, I can continue to tell you that is strong, and we are outstripping the nation.