The Jacinta Allan Labor Government has significantly reduced the funding for youth crime prevention programs in Victoria, a move that coincides with an alarming rise in crime rates across the state. Currently, a crime occurs every 50 seconds, with serious assaults reported every 30 minutes and residential aggravated burglaries almost every hour. This troubling situation raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing youth crime effectively.
In the past two years, the Labor Government awarded only two grants under the Youth Crime Prevention Program, despite the surge in youth-related criminal activities. Notably, funding for programs operated by 34 community groups linked to the African community has been cut. This decision comes at a time when these communities are calling for immediate support to combat rising crime.
In response to the growing concern, the Opposition Leader Brad Battin criticized the government for its lack of action. He stated, “Victorians are paying $20 million a day in interest on Labor’s debt, which is money Jacinta Allan is cutting from the police budget and youth crime prevention.” Battin emphasized the need for a robust strategy to ensure public safety, asserting that the current approach is insufficient.
The Liberals and Nationals party has proposed a comprehensive plan to address crime prevention and rehabilitation, known as the $100 million Safer Communities Plan. Among its initiatives is the Restart program, which aims to provide a residential program for serious and repeat offenders aged between 12 and 17. This initiative focuses on discipline, education, counselling, and community support to offer a pathway away from crime.
Additionally, the plan includes investment in community-based interventions such as Youth Justice Hubs, risk-based diversion efforts, trauma-informed therapy, mentoring, and family-based case management. These programs are designed to address the root causes of youth crime and to support rehabilitation efforts more effectively.
Battin further stated, “As an ex-cop, I know you can’t just arrest your way out of a crime wave. That’s why the Liberals and Nationals will invest in crime prevention and rehabilitation.” His comments reflect a growing concern that the current government strategy is inadequate in the face of rising crime rates.
The decision to cut funding for youth crime prevention programs has sparked a broader debate regarding state spending priorities and the effectiveness of current crime strategies. As public safety remains a critical issue, the response from the government and its opposition will be closely monitored by the community in the coming months.
With the crime rate escalating and public unease growing, the focus will likely shift to how both major parties plan to tackle these pressing issues and restore confidence in community safety.
