From left, Sudanese community members met with Federal Justice Minister David Johnston, Victorian Senator Mitch Fifield and Isaacs candidate Ross Fox last week.SUDANESE leaders, traders and local police met Justice Minister David Johnston in Noble Park last week to take their first steps towards eliminating crime and disorder in Noble Park.
Liberal candidate for Isaacs Ross Fox organised the meeting with the federal Minister, which happened just days after his colleague, Federal Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews, said the Howard Government would put a stopper in the flow of African refugees into Australia.
“The police should be congratulated for their continued dedication in fighting crime and violence in the area, but they need community support and the proper resources to ensure residents’ safety,” Mr Fox said.
“I invited the Minister to Noble Park to see the problems our local community faces first-hand so that we can examine ways to address local law and order issues with support from the Australian Government. The police, local traders, community leaders, and all levels of government need to work together to restore community safety in Noble Park and reassure the community that the local shopping centre and train station are safe places to visit.”
Mr Fox said the Howard Government was working with the City of Greater Dandenong to fight graffiti, vandalism and deal with hoons, by providing funding through the National Community Crime Prevention Program.
“Unfortunately there are no simple answers to the challenges we face as a community, and these challenges will not be addressed overnight,” he said.
“This should not be a political issue, but if the state Labor government will not show the necessary leadership to address this issue I will not hesitate to fight for additional resources for community safety in Noble Park.”
