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Danny O'Brien frustrated by Allan Labor government inaction and deflecting on crime in South Gippsland

Danny O'Brien voices frustration over Allan Labor government's inaction on rising crime rates. Despite concerns raised in Parliament, the government's response lacks substance, pointing fingers instead of addressing issues.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of action from the Allan Labor government to combat the growing crime rate and keep Gippslanders and their property safe. Mr O'Brien said he was extremely disappointed that questions he raised with the Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines in Parliament last year around improving police presence and deterring crime throughout Gippsland South were met with Labor's trademark duck-shoving.

Danny O'Brien voiced worries to the Minister last year due to a surge in crime in South Gippsland, citing break-ins and arson incidents

Crime concerns addressed

Mr O'Brien said, "I raised my concerns with the Minister late last year following a spate of crime across South Gippsland, including break-ins at the supermarket in Meeniyan, the Yanakie Motocross Club, Aherns Fruit Market in Foster and the Fish Creek Football Netball Clubrooms which were also burnt to the ground,"

"It is clear from the growing crime statistics since Labor formed government, a 66.6 percent increase in South Gippsland Shire in particular, that the Allan Labor government must do more to combat this troubling trend. The Minister, however, has made no attempt to address my concerns of growing crime across Gippsland simply citing that additional police officers have been allocated to the Eastern Region Division."

"To be clear, the Eastern Region Division is one of just four police regions in Victoria and covers a huge geographical area including Shepparton, Moe, Mallacoota, Wodonga and everything in between," he said.

Emergency response concerns

Mr O'Brien said he was equally disturbed by the Attorney-General's response when questioned in Parliament in November about operators of Aherns Fruit Market in Foster twice receiving a message saying, 'Sorry, we're too busy. Call us back' when attempting to call 000 to notify of a burglary in progress. The Attorney-General, who is also the Minister for Emergency Services, simply said that that is an issue for Telstra. No promise of further follow-up or investigation.

"There is a growing and worrying trend among the Allan Labor government to blame-shift and make excuses when it is clear that their policies and practices are not achieving the best outcomes for Victorians, let alone those in regional communities," Mr O'Brien concluded, Mr O'Brien said he will continue to push for increased police presence and resources in Gippsland.

Pictures from The Great Southern Star Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com