MP calls for PSO presence in city

NATIONALS Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad is continuing to pressure the State Government for better law and order resources, calling for more Protective Service Officers in regional centres.

Ms Broad has been outspoken about reported rising crime and antisocial behaviour in Bendigo, and ramped up her campaign last week after a tobacconist in Epsom was rammed and set alight.

An estimated 50 people protested the crime issue outside Member for Bendigo East and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s local office recently as the government moved to improve bail laws.

Ms Broad’s call for more PSOs came just before the tobacconist attack.

“I have spoken with local retail businesses that have been targeted by young thugs, including property damage, theft and personal attacks,” she said.

“Local residents have also reported serious antisocial behaviour on public transport, including Gwen, a lady in her 70s, who witnessed a young girl abusing staff, and an elderly couple who were left shaken after a man threatened their lives and those of young school students at the Bendigo train station.”

The Nationals have been advocating for more PSOs in regional areas. There are PSOs at 212 train stations in Melbourne but only four stations in regional Victoria – Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Traralgon – have a part-time PSO presence.

“I ask the Minister (Minister for Police Anthony Carbines) to commit to allocating more PSOs to increase their presence in regional towns and on public transport, to address the increase in crime and antisocial behaviour and ensure the community is protected,” Ms Broad said.

She said the Nationals will continue to advocate at both State and Federal levels for resources needed to keep communities safe.

After the Epsom tobacconist incident, Ms Broad described the crime trend in Bendigo as “shocking” and said it must be addressed.

“The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show there has been a 19.2 per cent rise in crime in Greater Bendigo,” she said.

“Stealing from retail stores, aggravated burglary and motor vehicle thefts have all risen dramatically.”

Asked for comment, a State Government spokesperson said thoughts are with all victims of crime.

“We hear your concerns and we are acting with the toughest bail laws in the country and strengthened laws for assaulting a retail worker,” the spokesperson said.

“Gaelle Broad should be aware of the law that prohibits the government from directing police resources – the location and deployment of officers, including PSOs, is a matter for the Chief Commissioner of Police.

“Bendigo police are out 24/7 holding offenders to account – backed by an additional 74 police officers funded by this government, and we thank them for the critical work they do every day to keep the community safe.”