The Liberal government’s broken promises and lack of action on police numbers have led to a rise in crime rates in the Derwent Valley and left much of the community living in fear.
In one of the latest incidents, investigations are underway into a suspected arson attack on a vacant building in New Norfolk.
This follows repeated break-ins at the New Norfolk Golf Club, New Norfolk Cricket Club and the recent break-in at the newly established Food Pantry, set up by volunteers to help community members struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
Long-term business owners have reported an increase in petty theft and shoplifting, with family-run businesses fed up with losing stock, and calling for a better police presence and quicker response times and follow up.
None of this is new – with the Liberal government promising back in 2017 to build a new police facility in the Derwent Valley, and provide a permanent police presence.
But true to form, the Liberals have failed to deliver, with successive Police Ministers ignoring the community’s calls for a better police presence, and a community-policing model.
Tasmanian Labor took part in a community forum in New Norfolk on Sunday to discuss how best to tackle the rising crime rate in the Valley and keep the community safe.
The Liberal government has no excuse for failing to act on this growing problem – and Labor will do all we can to support the community and keep Derwent Valley residents safe.
Jen Butler MP
Labor Member for Lyons
