· Crime rates in Northern Tasmania on the rise
· Police Minister Michael Ferguson again slow to act
· Will Northern Tasmania get fair share of new officers?
Despite their tough talk on law and order, the Hodgman Liberal Government has failed to reduce crime in Northern Tasmania.
Shadow Police Minister Shane Broad said the latest crime figures for Launceston and the Northern police district rose in March this year compared to the previous year.
"It has taken a succession of alarming crime statistics for the Police Minister Michael Ferguson to finally act and announce the recruitment of more police officers," Dr Broad said.
"Although there is a review of police numbers currently underway, the Police Association has said by the time it is completed it may be too late with high levels of fatigue among officers.
"If the Minister was committed to reducing the spate of serious crimes around Tasmania he would have acted months ago, but as usual he has waited until the situation reaches dire levels.
"We need assurances that these additional police officers will be recruited as soon as possible and that Northern Tasmania will get its fair share."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
