UPDATE: In a bold move aimed at enhancing public safety, Opposition Leader Brad Battin has announced a comprehensive plan to deploy an additional 200 Protective Service Officers (PSOs) to high-risk shopping areas across Victoria. This announcement comes as part of the Coalition’s strategy to outshine Labor in the lead-up to the 2026 state election.
Battin’s proposal, which has a budget of $70 million, ensures that there will be no cuts to current PSO presence at railway stations, addressing concerns over safety in both shopping centers and public transport. “Labor did nothing in over a decade to protect shoppers and retail workers,” Battin stated. “My government will put PSOs into shopping malls to protect shoppers and keep the PSOs at train stations to protect commuters.”
The Coalition plans to consult with Victoria Police to strategically place these additional PSOs where they are most needed. Under this new initiative, PSOs will be granted the authority to use metal detectors to search individuals in areas identified as high-risk for knife crime.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Allan Government‘s ongoing overhaul of PSO deployments, which was first revealed by The Age on Saturday. The current plan will reduce the number of train stations that are consistently patrolled, allowing officers to extend their presence to nearby shopping areas—a shift that has raised concerns among the public regarding safety during peak hours.
Since their introduction in 2010, PSOs have maintained a nightly presence at railway stations, with a commitment to ensure two officers are stationed at every location from 6 PM until the final train service. Battin’s proposal aims to bolster this presence while also expanding it to shopping venues, reflecting a growing demand for enhanced safety measures in crowded retail environments.
The proposed budget allocation not only covers the hiring and training of the new PSOs but also includes $7 million for equipping all police and protective service officers with metal-detecting wands. This decision underscores a proactive approach to combatting retail crime and ensuring the safety of shoppers and workers alike.
As the situation develops, all eyes will remain on the Coalition’s efforts to implement this ambitious safety strategy. Voters will likely weigh the implications of this plan heavily as the election approaches, making public safety a pivotal issue in the upcoming campaign.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and consider how these changes may impact your local shopping experience and safety.
