Thursday, 13 August 2026

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (22:45): (2702) My adjournment is directed to the latest Minister for Police, and it concerns the shocking events being reported at Craigieburn Central shopping centre this evening. At around 7:10 pm tonight Craigieburn Central was placed into emergency lockdown after two groups of men, reportedly armed with machetes, became involved in a violent dispute. During that altercation two gunshots were fired. Police rushed to the shopping centre and worked to secure the premises, while members of the public were locked down, frightened, inside. I want to acknowledge the Victoria Police officers who responded to this incident, who worked to protect the public in what was an extremely serious and volatile situation.

But tonight’s incident should be a wake-up call for this tired Andrews–Allan–Carroll government. Craigieburn families should not have to worry that a trip to their local shopping centre could turn into a scene involving machetes and gunfire. We have seen far too many incidents involving young people and dangerous weapons across Melbourne, particularly in the northern suburbs. Yet time and time again this Labor government have been reluctant to confront the causes of this violence and deliver the laws and policing that Victorians desperately need and have been asking for. Being soft on crime and weakening the bail laws, as those opposite did in this place in 2023, has consequences. When criminals believe they can carry weapons, engage in violent behaviour and return to our streets without meaningful consequences, the community pays the price. The people of Craigieburn should not have to pay that price. The government today have said they are expanding Operation Pulse. They have listed shopping centres where PSOs will be now, like Pacific Werribee, Bayside shopping centre, Highpoint shopping centre, Westfield, Northland, Watergardens – the list goes on – but not Craigieburn Central. This is the same precinct where recently we saw the tragic death of 15-year-old Darweish Mohamed. Surely the government could finally focus some attention on the good people of Craigieburn and keep them safe.

It is only the Liberals and Nationals who will recruit an additional 200 PSOs and return them to the 120 train stations while expanding their presence at shopping precincts. Only the Liberals and Nationals will hire 3000 new police over four years to fill the 1500 vacancies, keep the community safe and reopen the more than 40 police stations closed or with reduced hours under Labor.

The action I seek is for the Minister for Police to ensure that Victoria Police has the resources, the personnel and the powers necessary to prevent and respond to violent offending in Craigieburn and across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.