The Nationals’ State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has slammed the State Government for gutting youth crime prevention funding while regional communities are grappling with a growing crime wave.
Mr Bull said Labor’s record tells the story, stripping funding for youth crime prevention from almost $13 million annually between 2014 and 2022, to just $541,000 a year over the past three years.
“These cuts come at a time when they are spending $13 million on machete bins, where what we are seeing in places like Bairnsdale, is the only ones being handed in are by rural landholders scared of copping the massive fine if they are found to have one.
“In contrast to Labor’s cuts and complacency, The Nationals have a clear plan to rebuild safety and restore confidence in our communities,” Mr Bull said.
“Our $100 million Safer Communities Plan combines tougher laws with smart prevention programs designed to make a real difference across Victoria.
“Building on our ‘Break Bail, Face Jail’ policy, the plan makes sure offenders learn quickly. If you break the law, you will face the consequences.”
Key initiatives include:
– Jack’s Law for Victoria – gives police more power to search for and seize knives and other dangerous weapons in public places to keep communities safe.
– Restart – a residential responsibility and discipline program for serious and repeat offenders.
– Youthstart – targeted community interventions to help at-risk young people make better choices.
Mr Bull said the plan focusses on community safety through both enforcement and early intervention.
“Families in East Gippsland and across Victoria deserve to feel safe at home, in their neighbourhoods, and on the streets,” he said.
“Our plan ensures offenders face real consequences, while giving young people the guidance they need to stay on the right path.
“Labor has cut prevention programs, ignored weak bail laws, and left communities to handle the fallout.
“The Nationals’ Safer Communities Plan delivers both enforcement and hope because Victorians shouldn’t be left to pay the price for Labor’s failures,” he said.
