ANNABELLE Cleeland has called on Ben Carroll and his government to guarantee opening hours at police stations across the Euroa electorate.
Ms Cleeland questioned the Police Minister, asking him whether any stations in her electorate faced reduced hours or closure.
His response on October 26 reportedly stated that “it was a matter for the Chief Commissioner”.
Ms Cleeland was furious with the response, saying regional communities shouldn’t have to hope that help will be there.
“That’s a cop-out,” Ms Cleeland said.
“After more than a decade in government, Labor can’t even promise our local stations will keep their doors open.
“Regional communities shouldn’t have to wonder whether help will be there when they need it.
“People in country towns are already seeing offenders back on the streets within hours.
“Fewer police and weak bail laws are a dangerous combination.”
The Review contacted Minister for Police Paul Edbrooke, who did not respond directly. Instead, a Labor Party spokesperson said: “Victorians have been very clear that they want to see someone at the counter when they walk into their local station and we’re listening by recruiting 400 reservists to have more counters open and more police on the beat.
“Labor has built the largest police force in the country, and we’re boosting our numbers further with 1500 more police, two new regional academies and a faster pathway for recruits to graduate.”
Earlier this year, Ms Cleeland announced that a Liberal-Nationals government would recruit an additional 3000 police and reopen police stations that were closed under the current government.
“Our plan is simple: more police on the beat, local stations open and tougher bail laws to keep dangerous offenders off our streets,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Regional Victorians pay the same taxes as everyone else. They deserve the same protection.”