Shadow Minister for Police Brad Battin visited the Euroa electorate this week to announce the commitment alongside state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
The announcement comes as police stations across the region continue to reduce operating hours due to staffing shortages and resourcing pressures, while crime continues to rise and communities continue to grow.
Ms Cleeland said the announcement was particularly important for rapidly growing communities across the Euroa electorate.
“Across our region, communities are growing, but police resources are not keeping pace,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People tell me they are concerned about rising crime, anti-social behaviour and the lack of visible police presence in their communities.
“We have seen police station hours reduced, fewer officers available and growing communities expected to make do with less. That simply isn’t good enough.
“Our growth corridor deserves policing resources that reflect the reality on the ground.
“That means more police, stronger local stations and a return to 24-hour policing in communities like Kilmore.”
Ms Cleeland said regional Victorians should not be expected to accept reduced services simply because they live outside Melbourne.
“Whether you live in Kilmore, Broadford, Benalla, Seymour, Heathcote, Euroa or Violet Town, you deserve to feel safe and know help is available when you need it.
“For too long, regional communities have seen services stretched thinner while their populations continue to grow.
“This commitment is about making sure country Victorians receive the policing resources they deserve.
“Our local police do a remarkable job considering the pressure they are under.
“They’re part of our footy clubs, part of our CFA and part of our communities.
“We need to back them in with the resources they need to do their job and keep our communities safe.”
Mr Battin said rebuilding Victoria Police was critical to restoring community safety.
“Victoria is facing a crime crisis. Crime is up, police numbers are down, and communities are paying the price,” Mr Battin said.
“Our population continues to grow, but our police force has not kept up.
“That’s why a Liberals and Nationals government will recruit an additional 3000 police officers and put them where they are needed most.
“More police mean more officers on the beat, stronger local stations, faster response times and safer communities.
“We want Victorians to feel safe in their homes, safe in their streets and confident that when they need police, police will be there.”
