In yet another example of regional Victorians being short-changed by the city-centric Allan Labor Government, Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have been stationed at all five new Metro Tunnel train stations while pleas for adequate resources at regional stations are ignored.
The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has led calls for more resources since being elected in 2022, noting that just four train stations across regional Victoria have a PSO presence compared with Melbourne where all 227 stations are staffed.
This is despite data from the Crime Statistics Agency which shows there was a 49 per cent increase in criminal offenses in and around public transport in Gippsland from 2021 to 2024.
“The Allan Labor Government is once again prioritising funding for metropolitan Melbourne while ignoring regional Victorians and their very real safety concerns,” Mr Cameron said.
“We are not only being refused more PSOs, but we are also being told they could be pulled from the regions altogether as part of Labor’s plans to redeploy resources to shopping centres.
“It’s unthinkable that we face cuts to already critically low PSO numbers in regional Victoria because of this government’s arrogance and incompetence.”
Under a Coalition government, 200 additional PSOs will form strike teams to patrol high-risk shopping centres – including in Morwell, Moe and Traralgon – to protect retail workers and shoppers.
Backed by Jack’s Law, they will have the authority and technology to remove knives and machetes from criminals before they are used to commit violent crime.
“Regional Victorians deserve to feel safe when they step onto a train platform or wait at a bus interchange,” Mr Cameron said.
“We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for the bare minimum – to be provided with the same protections as Melburnians.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage community safety, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
