Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Eastern Victoria Region

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:00): (1817) My question is to the Minister for Police, and it relates to the alarming youth crime incidents which are becoming frighteningly more normal in my electorate. A shocking assault occurred on a young teen in the Traralgon CBD only recently. In July Operation Visible arrested eight people and seized weapons including knuckledusters and an imitation firearm during the first three days in Traralgon. Police presence was welcome but short-lived on that incident. Two of the people were charged and bailed and others were charged on summons. Youth crime also is a problem in Sale, in Morwell, in Bairnsdale, in Warragul, in Wonthaggi and in Leongatha, but Labor has cut crime prevention and cut youth diversion programs. The question I ask of the minister is: will you restore crime prevention programs and will you restore youth diversion programs in my Eastern Victoria electorate?