Victorians are being told everything is “under control” by Jacinta Allan, but the reality on the ground tells a very different story.
While the Premier films appearances in shopping centres alongside police and reassuring the public that safety is a priority, violent incidents continue to unfold across our communities. In the most recent case, a woman was stabbed in a shopping centre on her way to work, in a random attack by a teenager who was out on bail.
This is what happens when young offenders are shown that there is no consequence to their actions. This is what happens when as "rehab programs", such teenagers are sent for a holiday to Queensland's theme parks.
Individuals who pose a danger to society should not be released back onto the streets, or else, as we keep witnessing, the safety of everyday Victorians is compromised.
Families should not have to second-guess their safety when visiting local shops, walking through their neighbourhood, or going about their daily lives.
What’s most concerning is the growing gap between government messaging and reality. Telling people they are safe does not make it so, and doing photo ops with police does not prevent crime.
Victorians deserve leadership that acknowledges the seriousness of the problem and is willing to act. That means stronger bail laws, real consequences for repeat offenders, proper support for law enforcement to do their job effectively, and more funding to recruit and retain police personnel.
The safety of the community must be a priority.
