Community safety deteriorates as Police pay dispute worsens

Liberal Party Victoria

Victorians continue to pay the price for Labor’s financial mismanagement as frontline Victoria Police officers prepare to walk off the job in response to their stalled pay deal.

It follows the Allan Labor Government walking away from ongoing negotiations in September, and months of industrial action, as Labor’s record debt is set to reach $187.8 billion by 2027-28, with interest repayments to exceed $1 million an hour.

Under Labor, Victoria has rapidly increasing crime rates, while 1,000 roster positions remain vacant across the state and dozens of police stations are operating on restricted hours due to staff shortages.

Shadow Minister for Police, Brad Battin, said: “Labor’s refusal to sit down and finalise a fair pay deal for frontline officers is placing the safety of the community at risk.

“Labor’s priorities are all wrong. Every day Victoria Police spends fighting for fair pay is one they can’t be fully focused on keeping Victorians safe.

“With serious offending continuing to rise, Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines must return to the negotiating table and get a fair pay deal done.

“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our police services and Victorians are paying the price.”

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