Vandals who target war memorials and other religious, cultural and historic sites will be held accountable for their actions under a new commitment from Jess Wilson's Liberal and Nationals team.
Under Labor, vandalism of war memorials and other significant cultural sites has become increasingly brazen and commonplace.
Since 2020, at least 18 statues or memorials have been vandalised, yet not a single offender has been charged.
An elected Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will introduce a new criminal offence of Destruction and Damage of War Memorials and other Protected Sites. This offence will:
These new laws will be the toughest in the country to penalise vandals and protect sacred war memorials and is in addition to the Liberals and Nationals' plan to hire an additional 3,000 Victoria Police officers and reopen the more than 40 police stations that have closed or reduce their hours under Labor.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: "War memorials are sacred places of reflection that deserve to be properly protected.
"The increasing vandalism of war memorials and other cultural and historic sites is intolerable, and my Liberal and Nationals team has a plan to crack down on this disgraceful behaviour"
Shadow Minister for Finance, Bridget Vallence, said: "Desecration and vandalism of war memorials and significant sites is deeply disrespectful, and Victorians have had enough of the division it causes.
"Our plan s
