Victoria’s opposition has pledged to recruit 3,000 additional police officers and reopen dozens of stations, placing law and order at the centre of its pitch to voters ahead of the next state election.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said a future Liberal and Nationals government would seek to expand the force and address what she described as staffing shortages and reduced station access across the state.
“Crime is at an all time high, dozens of police stations are closed or operating on reduced hours and too many Victorians are unable to get a timely police response in their time of need,” Wilson said.
The proposal forms part of the coalition’s Safer Communities Plan. It includes recruiting 3,000 officers, reopening more than 40 stations currently closed or operating with limited hours, and establishing dedicated recruitment teams to accelerate hiring.
Half of the proposed recruits would be drawn from overseas, targeting experienced officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. The plan includes relocation payments of $5,000 per successful applicant, alongside a broader international recruitment campaign.
Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin said the proposed increase in police numbers would ease pressure on frontline services, arguing the additional officers would give Victoria Police the resources needed to respond more effectively to crime and improve community safety across the state
Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin said the increase in numbers would help address pressure on frontline services.
“This significant boost in police numbers will provide Victoria Police with the resources they need to crack down on offending and restore community safety across our state,” he said.
Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said the policy would extend beyond metropolitan areas, arguing that crime trends were affecting regional communities as well.
“Crime is not just a city problem, it has grown right across our state and the Liberals and Nationals’ plan will ensure regional Victorians are safe at home, at work and in the community,” he said.
The opposition claims there are more than 1,500 vacancies across police rosters and that reduced station hours have affected access to services. It also argues that population growth has not been matched by police recruitment.
The Victorian Government has previously pointed to ongoing recruitment drives and investment in policing resources, and has disputed characterisations of crime trends, noting that different offence categories move in varying directions over time.
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#Victoria’s opposition pledges 3,000 new #police officers & reopening 40+ stations. Half recruited from UK, Ireland & NZ with $5,000 relocation payments. Crime & staffing shortages drive the plan. #TheIndianSun @BradBattinMP @DannyOBrienMP @VicGovAu
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