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Martin Cameron urges government to deploy more PSOs, not private guards, at regional Victorian train stations

Martin Cameron is calling for more PSOs at regional train stations, criticising Labor's reliance on private security and V/Line staff amid rising concerns over assaults and anti-social behaviour.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2025 - Back to News

The need for Protective Services Officers (PSOs) at train stations across regional Victoria has been underscored as the Allan Labor government confirms it has hired private security guards to staff train stations in regional Victoria in response to public safety concerns.

Latrobe faces serious station crime. PSOs work - regional Victoria deserves equal protection. Labor must prioritise PSOs over private guards

Cameron demands PSOs

The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, wrote to the Minister for Public and Active Transport after local parents raised concerns about their children being assaulted at train stations after school. In response, the Minister confirmed security guards had been deployed to at least one "unstaffed" train station where assaults had occurred, and implied V/Line employees were responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers at other "staffed" stations.

"It's ridiculous that Labor is paying private security guards to staff train stations instead of deploying more PSOs across the regional rail network. For the Minister to also suggest that V/Line employees are enough of a presence to deter anti-social behaviour is simply unfair, especially considering some of these employees have themselves been victims of assault."

"Some schools are also asking staff members to attend local train stations before and after school in attempts to deter anti-social behaviour from students, which they should not have to do. PSOs have a dedicated presence at 216 train stations in Melbourne, yet just four stations in the whole of regional Victoria are patrolled by PSOs," Mr Cameron said.

Cameron slams safety failures

Mr Cameron added, "The Latrobe local government area has the highest crime rate of any municipality outside Melbourne, and we have a serious problem with anti-social behaviour at train stations. The presence of PSOs is a tried and tested method of deterring antisocial and criminal behaviour, and regional Victorians deserve to be offered the same protections as Melbournians."

"Instead of passing the buck to V/Line staff and hiring private security guards, the state government should get serious about deploying more PSOs across the regional rail network. Labor can't manage money, can't manage community safety, and Victorians are paying the price," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com