Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (09:54): The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria shows alarming increases in crime across Northern Victoria. In the past year alone total offences have risen by 10 per cent in Greater Bendigo, 24 per cent in Greater Shepparton, 15 per cent in Loddon, 24 per cent in Macedon Ranges, 19 per cent in Moorabool and a staggering 34 per cent in Strathbogie. Similar increases are being seen in Mitchell, up 12 per cent; Mount Alexander, up 24 per cent; Whittlesea, up 23 per cent; and the Yarra Ranges, up 16 per cent. These figures are a direct reflection of weakened bail laws, cuts of $50 million from the Victoria Police budget, reductions in crime prevention programs, the closure of local police stations and a shortage of more than 2000 police across the state. Victoria is in a crime crisis, and people want the government to take action. Nearly half of all reported crimes in Victoria remain unsolved. The Liberals and Nationals have already outlined our plan to restore community safety through the ‘break bail, face jail’ initiative to strengthen bail laws, Jack’s law to tackle knife crime and a $100 million safer communities plan to support prevention and rehabilitation programs like Restart and Youthstart. The next state election is in November 2026, and Victorians will have the chance to choose a government that puts community safety first.