Wednesday, 18 March 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:15): (2420) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, concerning an alarming report that outer metropolitan regions in the growth corridors are experiencing a significant number of assault and sexual offences on school premises. This issue is particularly relevant in my electorate, such as in Wyndham City Council, which recorded 315 offences last year; additionally, Hume City Council, covering suburbs around the northern area of Sunbury, reported 226 offences, including 53 assault-related crimes and 19 sexual offences. So the action I seek is for the Deputy Premier to collaborate with the Department of Education and implement measures aimed at halting the rise of school-based violence in Victoria, especially in hotspots within the growth corridors. These serious offences such as theft, burglary, sexual offences and common assault pose a risk to the safety of students, teachers, parents and visitors to our schools. More action must be taken to address the violence and hold perpetrators accountable in educational institutions.

We know that residents in the outer suburban areas of Melbourne have less access to essential services compared to those living in inner metropolitan regions. This is particularly evident in availability of transport, health and youth services, which can be challenging to access. More services being available to our youth in outer metropolitan Melbourne could help alleviate some of the issues we are facing in our schools. Parents entrust the education system with their most valuable responsibilities, their children. Their trust underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of care, safety and professionalism in our schools. The department must maintain uncompromised, zero-tolerance policies on these matters. Consistent enforcement is crucial in preserving the credibility and integrity of our education system. If the Allan government does not address the underlying cause of why young people behave inappropriately, the cycle of reoffending will persist. The growing proportion of young offenders within our crime crisis underscores how sustained inaction has allowed this issue to escalate, so I implore the Deputy Premier to provide a detailed response on these concerning issues and outline his plan to address the rising crime within our schools as a matter of urgency.