Wednesday, 19 November 2025

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:56): My question is to the Minister for Police: what action is the government taking to fill over 2000 shortages in the Victorian police force and recruit more protective service officers? A resident of Warburton has written to me highlighting the need for more police. They said it took over an hour and a half for the cops to show up at a fight in East Warburton and mentioned that police stations are closing at 10 pm and are not always manned. I am aware that staff shortages are affecting other police stations as well. I was concerned to hear from one police officer that new recruits were being delayed due to only two psychologists undertaking psychological testing. We know that visible police presence and PSOs help deter crime. Victoria is in a crime crisis and more police are leaving the force than entering it. What is the state government doing to support Victoria Police and get more police and PSOs on the streets?