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Urgent meeting Minister for Police to discuss rising violent and antisocial behaviour in Latrobe Valley sought by Martin Cameron

Martin Cameron launched a petition calling for increased police and PSO resources in response to growing incidents of theft, vandalism, and assault in the region's towns.

By news@gippsland - 14th September 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has written to the Minister for Police requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the surge in violent and anti-social behaviour across the Latrobe Valley. It comes after Mr Cameron launched a petition last week, calling on the Andrews Labor government to increase police and Protective Services Officers (PSO) resources in response to rising incidents of theft, vandalism and assault in Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Churchill.

Mr. Cameron emphasises the need for addressing underlying societal issues contributing to antisocial behaviour while also advocating for immediate action to enhance public safety

Police resource concerns

Mr Cameron said, "I have invited the Minister for Police to visit my office in Morwell to meet with me and see first-hand the issue sweeping our CBDs, shopping centres and public transport terminals. I have been raising the issue of police and PSO resources with the Andrews Labor government for months, and repeated calls for action have fallen on deaf ears."

"This is a very complex and multi-faceted issue, and I acknowledge there are many other contributing societal factors at play, particularly when it comes to young people. This is not about demonising or punishing people, but it is a step in the right direction in terms of deterring the behaviour in the first instance."

"Our police are not just law enforcement officers - they conduct youth outreach programs, link with local services to provide referrals, and work tirelessly to support disengaged youth - all these things help build confidence and foster positive relationships and behaviours," he said.

Youth support services

Mr Cameron also said, "We have a responsibility to ensure our youth have access to information, education, and appropriate support services they can trust. The call for more police and PSO resources does not address the underlying issues that contribute to anti-social behaviour, but it is a very real action the Andrews Labor government can take now to help the Latrobe Valley community feel safe in public."

"Individuals, businesses and retailers are welcome to print off copies of the petition and collect signatures. I will also be launching an online version of the petition in coming weeks," he said.

To download the petition, visit the Police and PSO resources in the Latrobe Valley page. To sign the petition, visit Mr Cameron's office at 12-14 George St in Morwell Morwell or Melina Bath's office at 181 Franklin St in Traralgon. Several businesses in the Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Churchill CBDs and shopping centres are also collecting signatures.

Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com