Tuesday, 12 May 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (17:54): (2504) My adjournment is to the Minister for Police. The action I seek is for the minister’s support to enable local protective service officers to be rostered at the Bendigo railway station from 3 pm each day. I have previously raised the need for more PSOs, and in response the minister advised that Bendigo has five PSOs, with two rostered at the station each day of the week from 4:30 pm until 12:30 am. Locally, I have spoken with police, the local council and residents, and I consistently hear from residents who are concerned about the rise in crime in Bendigo and antisocial behaviour in Bendigo, especially at the railway station and the Bendigo mall. Residents, including seniors, parents and young people, have told me that they feel unsafe, especially when large groups congregate in the area. One couple said a man threatened their lives and those of young students at the station. In another incident a man was charged following an alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old girl on a bus shortly after leaving the Bendigo railway station. I also spoke with a man who was attacked from behind and forced to the ground, and he sustained injuries to his face, at the nearby Marketplace shopping centre. I am aware that Victoria Police have previously run targeted operations aimed at addressing antisocial behaviour and crime in Bendigo, but additional year-round support is needed. I would appreciate the minister’s support to enable an increased presence of PSOs not from the last train but from 3 pm each day, when they are needed most. I will look forward to the minister’s response.