Libs pledge $28m police boost

From left, Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy, Member for Bass Brian Paynter, Clyde North resident Anuj Haribhakti, Neighbourhood Watch chairman Rob Ward, and Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue. 174958_03.

By Jessica Anstice

An elected Liberal Government will invest $28 million to boost Victoria Police infrastructure facilities in Casey.

The Liberal Nationals’ infrastructure package will include:

· a $4 million upgrade of the Endeavour Hills Police Station to enable it to accommodate more police and be open for longer;

· a $4 million upgrade of the 24/7 Cranbourne Police Station;

· a $5 million upgrade of the 24/7 Narre Warren Police Station;

· building the previously announced new 24/7 $15 million Clyde North Police Station, where crime is up 132.9 percent under Daniel Andrews.

According to the Liberals, under Daniel Andrews, crime in Casey is up 14.7 percent with violent crimes against the person up 23.1 percent including assaults up 21.3 percent sexual offences up 42.1 percent and robbery up 129.9percent, drug dealing and trafficking up 34.3 percent and justice procedures offences up 145.9 percent.

“It is vital that the hard working men and women of Victoria Police who serve the Casey community have the infrastructure and resources they need to fight crime and protect our communities when we need help the most,” Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North Vikki Fitzgerald said.

“I have listened to the concerns of the people in the Endeavour Hills and Hallam areas, and the common theme is longer opening hours at Endeavour Hills Police Station.

“I am honoured to be able to advocate for them on this very important local issue.”

Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans said the upgrade to Cranbourne Police Station “will help police do their important work and keep the community safe.”

A Labor party spokesperson said the Liberals “can’t be trusted as they cut $100 million from Victoria Police and sacked 350 support staff.

“Only Labor will build new, 24-hour, state-of-the-art police stations in Clyde North and Narre Warren to give police in these communities the facilities they need to drive down crime and keep the community safe.”