The Nationals and Liberals have unveiled a Safer Communities Plan to restore community safety, including tougher laws to hold offenders accountable for dangerous police pursuits.
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said the plan would give Victoria Police greater certainty when dealing with offenders who refuse to stop.
With almost 20 offences a day where vehicles fail to stop for police, it’s a serious and ongoing issue.
“Police need clear laws to guide their decisions, not rushed judgement calls in high-pressure situations.”
Under the plan, a future Nationals and Liberals Government will introduce a new offence of initiating a police pursuit and make offenders responsible for the consequences and risks created. Legal protections for police will be strengthened and penalties increased for pursuit-related harm, including damage, injury and risk to the community.
“These changes make it clear that responsibility sits with the person who chooses to run,” Ms Benham said.
“People who put lives at risk must face the consequences.”
The plan also includes hiring 3,000 more police officers, 200 new PSOs, reopening more than 40 police stations and returning PSOs to 120 train stations.
“We need to back our police and give them the tools they need to do their job,” Ms Benham said.
“This is about restoring community safety and making sure offenders are held to account.
“Crime is getting worse under Labor, and communities are paying the price. It’s time for change.”
