The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is calling on the Minister for Youth Justice to visit Mildura to discuss a collaborative approach to tackling the youth crime issue.
Recent data shows youth crime has risen by an alarming 12 per cent in the electorate, impacting on all retailers in the Mildura City Heart and beyond.
Residents are also feeling unsafe in their own homes.
“Retail stores should not have to close their doors to protect their staff and their stock,” said Ms Benham.
The Minister must meet with Hands Up Mallee, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Mildura City Heart and Victoria Police.
“The Government should be looking at a preventative and educational approach that breaks the cycle before our youth become anti-social and commit the crime,” Ms Benham says.
“This work needs to be done collectively. It is one of those things that is not one single agency’s ‘job’ and therefore continues to fall through the cracks.”
“There needs to be real positive change for the sake of our community.”
