Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Southern Metropolitan Region

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:47): (1804) My question is for the Premier. I frequently hear constituents express deep frustration at the scourge of graffiti and vandalism throughout suburbs in the Southern Metropolitan Region, which is degrading the amenity of established local neighbourhoods. I have raised this matter before, as have my colleagues, including the member for Hawthorn, who also hears residents’ growing concerns about the negative impact of graffiti and other criminal damage on our community. Vacant shopfronts are increasingly targeted by vandals as businesses close under the weight of Labor’s taxes and the cost-of-living pressures that impact retail trade. Unsightly graffiti is highly visible in numerous locations from along the Monash Freeway to Auburn and Glenferrie stations and the sky rail overpass at Toorak Road. As Mr McGowan pointed out last week after he witnessed brazen shoplifting, we need to start with the small stuff, like graffiti, shoplifting and disrespect, to prevent escalation to more serious crimes. Those crimes are plaguing our state. Premier, what are you going to do to address the growing incidence of graffiti and vandalism in my electorate?