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Melina Bath says Latrobe Valley has lost police resources under Labor despite rising crime and reduced officer numbers across the region

Melina Bath says Victoria has fewer police under Labor, with Latrobe Valley losing officers amid rising crime and calls for stronger recruitment and policing reforms.

By news@gippsland - 5th May 2026 - Back to News

The latest police data shows Victoria now has 500 fewer police than when Jacinta Allan became Premier. The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said local communities were not immune to the Allan Labor Government’s cuts with Latrobe Valley losing vital police resources. Latrobe Valley today has 11.66 fewer full time equivalent (FTE) police officers than when Jacinta Allan became Premier despite the region having one of the highest crime rates in the state.

Melina Bath says Victoria has 500 fewer police under Labor, with Latrobe Valley facing reduced resources despite rising crime and calls for stronger policing

Melina Bath says Victoria has 500 fewer police under Labor, with Latrobe Valley facing reduced resources despite rising crime and calls for stronger policing

Police safety plan

Ms Bath said that under Labor, crime is up, station hours are reduced and police numbers are down. "Locals are tired of living with Labor’s revolving door of crime - they respect our police officers and deserve to see Latrobe Valley’s police resources bolstered, not reduced."

"The Nationals have a clear plan to keep communities safe by recruiting 3,000 new police officers, reopening 40 police stations, returning PSOs to 120 stations and implementing tougher Adult Time for Adult Crime laws and one strike bail laws."

"Victoria Police deserve greater support and a true commitment to investing in the recruitment, training and retention of police resources to help keep our communities safe, respond to emergencies, and conduct timely investigations when crimes are committed," she said.

Crime surge alarm

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said Latrobe Valley is fed up and locals say enough is enough - it is time for Labor’s soft approach on crime to end. "Latrobe Valley is paying the price for Labor’s neglect and budget cuts to Victoria Police - under Jacinta Allan crime in the Valley has skyrocketed by 18.9 percent with the region having the state’s second highest criminal incident rate."

"Labor’s weak bail laws have emboldened offenders and placed repeat criminals back on our streets too easily. Victoria’s crime reforms have not gone far enough and undermine police efforts and community safety. The economic impact of crime hurts us all - when our small businesses are hit by theft and vandalism, insurance premiums rise, and victims of crime pay twice through personal loss and higher living costs," she said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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