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Mammoth Police Petition Tabled In Parl

The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has strengthened community calls for a revision of Latrobe Valley police numbers in Parliament this week.

By Russell Northe - 11th September 2009 - Back to News

Mr Northe said reports in July that five police officer positions would be slashed from local stations sparked outrage in the community and prompted residents to drive a petition calling for the cuts to be reversed.

Yesterday Mr Northe presented a petition containing 1439 signatures to Parliament, which recognised the growing population, the expansion of the Latrobe court complex and issues around the Traralgon entertainment precinct and noted the excessive workload of local police in keeping residents safe and following up on incidents such as assaults.

"The petitioners feel any reduction in police numbers across the Latrobe Valley is unjustified and firmly believe that a police presence makes a significant difference in preventing crime," Mr Northe said.

"Our local police men and women do a fantastic job with limited resources.

"It is difficult to comprehend why, at a time when we expect more from our officers, administration would see fit to reduce rather bolster police numbers in the Latrobe Valley."

Speaking on the Liquor Control Reform Amendment (Licensing) Bill yesterday, which would see local liquor licence holders slugged with massive fee hikes, Mr Northe questioned how many of the 120 additional police funded under the new legislation would be allocated to the Latrobe Valley.

"If local licensed venue operators are paying increased fees, we expect to see police officers dispersed to our region," he said.

Mr Northe thanked head petitioner Anne Gumpold for her efforts in distributing the petition among the community. Mrs Gumpold’s nephews were the victims of an assault in the Traralgon CBD late last year.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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