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Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration

The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.

By news@gippsland - 30th July 2026 - Back to News

The Nationals have again stood up for Latrobe Valley residents and businesses in state parliament, demanding the Labor government immediately address rising crime and properly resource local police. Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said crime in the Latrobe Valley had increased by 30 per cent over the past four years, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned about community safety.

Melina Bath says rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police have left residents frustrated, calling for stronger laws and better police resourcing

Crime concerns grow

Ms Bath said, "Business owners and residents have had enough. Local small business owner Nathan Theissling has experienced the impact of crime firsthand over the past year, witnessing a violent carjacking, serious assaults, a ram raid and a growing wave of youth offending. The Latrobe Valley is a resilient and hardworking community, but many locals are frustrated by Labor’s failure to reverse rising crime."

"Our local police officers do an outstanding job, but they need the resources and laws to effectively combat lawlessness and keep communities safe. The Valley has eight fewer full time police officers than it did two years ago, reducing police presence and placing additional pressure on frontline officers," Ms Bath said.

Community safety focus

Member for Morwell Martin Cameron said the Latrobe Valley was paying the price for Labor’s failure to get tough on crime. "Labor continues to pedal headlines instead of solutions. Whether it’s machete bins or another announcement with no clear delivery plan, local communities deserve real action, not Labor media stunts."

"The recent Gippsland Police Academy announcement came with no confirmed location, timeline or certainty for our community. In contrast, The Nationals had a comprehensive plan to strengthen community safety, including 3,000 additional police officers, reopening police stations, stronger sentencing laws, adult time for adult crime, improved pursuit laws and targeted early intervention programs."

"The Nationals will always stand up for Latrobe Valley locals and fight for safer streets, stronger communities and a better future for our region. My Latrobe Valley community is fed up, they deserve law and order and community safety restored," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
  Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
  Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
  RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.