The Liberal Nationals are calling on the Andrews Labor Government to ensure police stations in key holiday hotspots operate as 24/7 stations this Easter long weekend.
With hundreds of police and PSO's across the state redeployed away from regular duties and into hotel quarantine, as well as on enforcement taskforces and border patrols, local stations in holiday areas are in danger of being under-resourced during the long weekend.
Torquay police are expecting an additional 160,000 people and short stay accommodation occupancy is reaching 97 per cent across the Surf Coast Shire this long weekend. There are ongoing issues with road safety, family violence and youth offending. Therefore, visitors and local residents across regional holiday hotspots are in clear need of additional policing resources and accessibility.
Community safety must remain a priority and the Andrews Government must deliver additional resources and ensure all holiday hotspot stations operate 24/7 this long weekend.
If Labor can redeploy 2000 police officers to babysit Extinction Rebellion protesters in Melbourne's CBD, there is absolutely no excuse for failing to deliver proper policing in the Surf Coast over the Easter Long Weekend.
As stated by Shadow Minister for Police & Crime Prevention, David Southwick:
"Labor's botched COVID response has seen police pulled from communities across the state and left local police in holiday hotspots fending for themselves.
"Daniel Andrews must provide additional resources to support the outstanding work of local police and ensure stations in holiday spots are open and available 24/7 to the community this Easter long weekend."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur:
"With hundreds of thousands of people travelling to holiday hotspots this weekend, business as usual policing in our local communities simply isn't good enough.
"Bellarine and Surf Coast communities are excited to welcome back visitors this weekend and the Andrews Government must deliver the additional resources local police need to keep local communities safe."
