Victorians are less safe than ever before, with new data confirming criminal offending has reached a record high under the Allan Labor Government.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said while local police continue to do an outstanding job, they are being let down by weak laws and a lack of support.
“In East Gippsland, total offences have increased by 13 per cent, including aggravated robbery (13%), residential aggravated burglary (25%) and retail theft (11%). Alarmingly, family violence incidents have risen by 40 per cent,” Mr Bull said.
“Domestic violence is one area where I believe the community can take more ownership and action. We all have a responsibility to ensure that within our friendship and work circles there is a clear message that this is not OK.
“We cannot have anyone turning a blind eye,” he said.
“In other areas police are doing everything they can, but Labor’s soft-on-crime approach and weakened bail laws are not supporting them on the ground.”
Mr Bull said the issue extended across the state.
“Since becoming Premier, Jacinta Allan has overseen around 1,500 police vacancies, more than 40 stations closed or operating on reduced hours, and PSOs removed from 120 train stations,” he said.
“When this was raised in Parliament, the Police Minister chose to respond with one-liners rather than addressing the seriousness of the situation.”
“The reality is that 286,329 crimes remain unsolved - almost half of all recorded offences - representing a 15 per cent increase over the past year.”
Mr Bull also pointed to funding pressures.
“In May 2025, the Government cut almost $50 million from Victoria Police while net debt continues to grow by $1.7 million an hour and is projected to reach $192.6 billion by 2028-29,” he said.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said Labor had created Victoria’s crime crisis.
“Victorians have never felt less safe. We will ensure bail and sentencing laws reflect community expectation - if you commit a crime, you will face consequences,” she said.
Mr Bull said police deserved stronger backing.
“Our police are working hard against the odds — they need proper resourcing and tougher laws that support them to keep the community safe.”
