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
