communities safe
stand to protect those his own backyard
emergency services must be supported
Peter Gutwein’s failure to act on an alarming rise in
criminal activity in the state’s north is doing little to assure Tasmanians
that the Liberals are serious about their tough on crime mantra.
Police and LGH medical staff endured yet another
stressful night on duty when a man was stabbed and two men were shot in a
dramatic series of crimes on Wednesday.
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management,
Jen Butler, said the Government’s reaction – or lack thereof – to escalating
serious crime rates in Launceston was disgraceful.
“The Liberals have made persistent claims that crime will
not be tolerated in Tasmania and now there is a serious crime spike in the
Premier’s own backyard and we’re still waiting for action,” Ms Butler said.
The 2018-19 Police
Corporate Performance Report reveals that last year in Launceston total
crime increased by 27 per cent, with serious crime increasing by 17 per cent.
Since then public place assaults
have increased a further 19 per cent.
Ms Butler said Labor has serious concern for public safety
and operational safety for police officers.
“Launceston was once a peaceful place to live – but now it
feels like there’s a serious attack every week, and yet the Liberals are doing
nothing to stop it,” Ms Butler said.
“Police and other first responders on the front line must be given the tools and resources they need to
perform their duties.
“The Government’s tough on crime spin has been completely dismantled. We are in the midst of serious crime spike and the communities deserve leadership from their Government, not silence.”
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
