Question details
Morwell electorate
(86) My question is for the Minister for Police and Minister for Crime Prevention, and the information I seek is on the resourcing of protective services officers at the Morwell train station. The Andrews government’s own website states that PSOs are stationed at every single one of metropolitan Melbourne’s 212 stations but at only four stations in regional Victoria, not including Morwell. The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows that crime in the Latrobe Valley is disproportionately high. There were more than 10,000 criminal incidents per 100,000 population recorded in the region in 2022, the highest of any municipality in the state outside of Melbourne. People continue to raise concerns with my office about the prevalence of antisocial behaviour in Morwell, particularly around the train station and bus terminal. Crime in Morwell spiked 6.5 per cent last year, and despite the irrefutable evidence, the Andrews government does not see the need to allocate PSOs to the Morwell train station, further proof of – (Time expired)
The location and deployment of PSOs and police officers is a matter for the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, and this issue has been raised with his office.
I understand that the Morwell Division of Victoria Police has PSOs working from the Traralgon Police Station to ensure the safety and security of those travelling on our public transport networks. In accordance with a Victorian Government commitment, PSOs are present for the last train arriving at Traralgon each day, along with every train arriving at Traralgon during the preceding 10-hour shift on which they are rostered. There have been opportunities for PSOs to travel to other railway stations or transport hubs between Traralgon train arrivals, and this has allowed for a periodic PSO presence at Morwell Railway Station and bus hub.
The 2022-23 Victorian Budget announced $342 million for an additional 502 police officers and 50 PSOs, all who will hit the beat over the next two years.
The recruitment of additional sworn members and PSOs will support Victoria Police to allocate more resources to areas of need. This investment builds upon funding provided in 2016 and 2017, which resulted in the recruitment, training and deployment of an additional 3,135 front line police, all of whom have been in the force since April 2022. As a part of this commitment, the Morwell Division has received an additional 110 sworn police since 2016.
Hon Anthony Carbines MP
Minister for Police
Minister for Crime Prevention
Minister for Racing