Labor’s budget cuts and police restructuring spark concerns as crime rates and recidivism climb across Victoria.
New data underscores worsening community safety outcomes in Victoria, reportedly due to mismanagement by the Labor government.
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The 2023-24 Annual Reports from Victoria Police, Justice and Community Safety, and the Youth Parole Board highlight key statistics:
•Overall recorded criminal offences have risen by 9.1 per cent, from 506,214 to 552,228 incidents.
•Nearly four in 10 offenders released from prison reoffend within two years.
•The number of young individuals reporting histories of self-harm has increased by 12 per cent.
•There has been a 31 per cent rise in parolees aged 17-24.
•Only 30 per cent of adult prisoners participate in education programs, which is 16.7 per cent lower than the targeted engagement rate.
•The annual WorkCover Premium rate for Victoria Police surged from 5.56 per cent to 8.59 per cent, primarily due to the increase in mental health injury claims. This premium increase resulted in an additional cost of $87.3 million in 2023–24 for Victoria Police.
Victoria Police is also undertaking a major restructuring to address budget constraints, which could see hundreds of jobs cut in an effort to streamline operations and reallocate resources more efficiently. The restructure aims to manage financial pressures but raises concerns over potential impacts on community safety and service delivery.
Additionally, a Youth Parole Board survey found that 62 per cent of youth offenders experienced abuse, trauma, or neglect as children.
Shadow Minister for Police, Youth Justice, and Criminal Justice Reform, Brad Battin, commented on the data, stating, “This data confirms that the Allan Labor Government is failing to protect Victorians.
“It is however, not surprising given this year’s State Budget confirmed an almost $20 million cut to crime prevention, community-based offender supervision and youth diversion programs.
“All Victorians have the right to feel safe and this data just shows that Labor is not committed to this or to breaking the cycle of crime, particularly where young males are concerned.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot keep communities safe and Victorians are paying the price.”
