The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, says support must be provided to regional police officers as new data shows alarming rises in crime across the region.
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data for the year ending June 2024 highlighted increases in criminal incidents, offences recorded, and alleged offender incidents across the Mitchell, Strathbogie, and Benalla local government areas.
“Despite the alarming rise in crime across our communities, we are seeing pay disputes drag on and police not being given the support they need to keep our towns safe,” Ms Cleeland said.
“For months, the Allan Labor Government has mismanaged negotiations and failed to act in good faith to secure a fair pay deal for frontline Victoria Police officers.
“Not only that, but 46 per cent has been cut from the community crime prevention budget and this government closed the crime prevention unit at the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
“Labor’s continual under-resourcing of Victoria Police must stop to ensure rising crime is addressed as a matter of priority.”
In Benalla, there was an 8 per cent rise in total criminal incidents, with the number of incidents more than 24 per cent higher than the statewide average.
There was also a 12 per cent increase in the number of offences recorded (36 per cent above the state average), and a 22 per cent increase in offender incidents.
In the Mitchell Shire, total criminal incidents rose by 27.5 per cent in the last year, with a particular rise of incidents in Seymour and Broadford.
Offences recorded went up by 24.7 per cent to go with a 25.2 per cent rise in alleged offender incidents. There was also an alarming 21.5 per cent rise in family violence incidents, with the number of recorded incidents 50 per cent higher than the state average.
In the Strathbogie Shire, total criminal incidents rose by 23 per cent, offences recorded increased by 14.8 per cent, and offender incidents went up 16.5 per cent.
“Instead of repeatedly denying the crime problem in Victoria, this government should be doing more to protect our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Labor can’t manage community safety and Victorians are paying the price.”