Tuesday, 12 May 2026

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (14:17): I rise today to highlight the danger brought on Eastern Victorian residents by the Allan Labor government’s removal of protective services officers at our local train stations. On 18 April the Allan Labor government announced changes that will see PSOs moved away from 119 metropolitan stations and placed on roving patrols. That includes stations such as Cardinia Road, Officer, Tecoma and Upwey. PSOs provide more than just enforcement; they provide certainty. Their presence tells commuters that somebody is there, somebody is watching and help is close by if something goes wrong. Removing them takes away vital protections for parents coming home late, students catching trains in the evening and shiftworkers walking back to their cars after dark.

Serious offences at train stations have risen sharply since 2021 – specifically in train stations – and what has this government done? They have decided to strip PSOs away from them. Assault, robbery, stalking and harassment are exactly the offences that make people feel unsafe on public transport. In Monbulk Clare Fitzmaurice has launched a petition calling for the return of PSOs to Tecoma and Upwey stations – something I am proud to support. I hope you can get along and support it and sign it too.