Source : Perth Now news
Addressing community concerns about rising crime rates will be a major part of the Victorian opposition’s election pledge as it announces plans to recruit 3000 extra police officers.
Relocation allowances and fast-tracked applications will be used to entice police officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand to emigrate to the state.
One-in-five Victorians don’t feel safe where they live, while a third feel less secure than they did 12 months ago, according to the latest RACV Home Safety Pulse report.
The survey, which heard from more than 5000 Victorians about their perceptions of safety at home and community, found 17 per cent felt somewhat or completely unsafe at home.
The state’s latest crime statistics showed criminal offences rose 4.2 per cent in 2025.
Victorians are set to head to the ballot box in November, with crime expected to be a key election issue.
State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson announced the Liberals would recruit 3000 more Victoria Police officers to help fill 1500 current vacancies and reopen 40 stations either closed or operating on reduced hours.
The election promise is reportedly set to cost $1.5 billion.
Based on a similar recruitment scheme in Western Australia, half of the recruits would be experienced officers from overseas, including the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.
Relocation allowances of $5000 per successful applicant would be available, backed by a recruitment campaign.
Recruitment teams would also be created to fast-track applicant checks.
“Crime is at an all-time high, dozens of police stations are closed or operating on reduced hours and too many Victorians are unable to get a timely police response in their time of need,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our plan will get more cops on the beat, reopen closed police stations and restore community safety across Victoria.”
