In the midst of a record-breaking crime wave, the Allan Labor Government has slashed the Victoria Police budget from $4.55 billion to $4.5 billion for 2025–26.
This cut comes at a time when over 1,100 police positions remain vacant, and 43 police stations across the state have either closed or reduced their hours since November 2023 due to chronic staffing shortages.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, slammed the Allan Labor Government for reducing police funding and failing to curb the rising crime wave in regional Victoria.
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data for the year ending December 2024 exposed disturbing increases in crime across all six local government areas of the Euroa electorate, with sharp rises in total criminal incidents, recorded offences, and family violence incidents.
“The Allan Labor Government has lost control of law and order in Victoria,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Further cuts to police and court services, soaring crime rates, soft-on-crime bail laws, and a lack of urgency in banning deadly weapons like machetes have made it far too easy for criminals to terrorize our communities.
“Victorians should feel safe in their homes, businesses, and on the streets – but under Labor, crime is running rampant, and locals are paying the price.”
The latest figures paint a grim picture:
- Total criminal incidents surged by 10.6% in Benalla, 36.4% in Mitchell Shire, and 36.9% in Strathbogie Shire.
- Recorded offences skyrocketed by 26.9% in Benalla, 37.4% in Mitchell, and a staggering 47.6% in Strathbogie.
- Crime also increased across Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, and Greater Shepparton, alongside rising family violence incidents in all six regions.
“These statistics aren’t just numbers – they represent real people in our towns who are living in fear,” Ms. Cleeland said.
“We’re hearing of stolen vehicles in Violet Town, farm break-ins near Benalla and Colbinabbin, robberies at the Murchison Community House, and widespread property damage – all while locals are left begging for answers on community pages or contacting my office in desperation.
“Community safety is not a political game – it’s a fundamental right. Yet, Labor’s incompetence has left our police under-resourced and our residents vulnerable.
“It’s time the Allan Labor Government took responsibility and delivered real action to protect regional Victorians before more families and businesses suffer.”