The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has backed a plan that offers real solutions for the statewide crime crisis.
In government, The Nationals will introduce the $100 million Safer Communities Plan to restore safety across Victoria.
While Labor has slashed youth crime prevention funding from almost $13 million a year between 2014-22 to a paltry $541,000 in each of the past three years, the Nationals have unveiled a strategy to make communities safe again.
The Safer Communities Plan will deliver tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs that will make a difference in every regional community. It builds on the Break Bail, Face Jail policy – ensuring there are consequences for all offenders. The plan includes:
- Jack’s Law for Victoria – giving police the power to remove weapons from our streets.
- Restart – a Victorian-first residential responsibility and discipline program for serious and repeat offenders.
- Youthstart – co-ordinated community-based interventions to help at-risk young people make better choices.
Mr Cameron, who has advocated tirelessly for crime and bail policy reform since he was elected in 2022, said the Allan Labor Government had shown that it has no plan to address the crisis in Victoria.
“Victorians have had enough of this government’s soft approach on crime. Our plan prioritises the safety of communities over the rights of repeat offenders – something Labor has failed to do time and time again,” Mr Cameron said.
“Families deserve to feel safe in their homes, at the shops and on the streets. Our plan is about consequences for offenders, but also about giving young people the support, discipline and hope they need to turn their lives around.
“We know the crime crisis is hitting hard in regional Victoria. Here in the Latrobe Valley, we now have the third-highest crime rate per capita in the state.
“While Premier Allan cuts prevention programs and oversees weak bail laws, The Nationals and Liberals have a clear plan to restore community safety.
“Labor can’t manage crime and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
