By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Labor has made a $1.5 million Federal Election promise to improve community safety in Greater Dandenong.
How it would be spent is not yet decided. It would be up to City of Greater Dandenong and the community to nominate initiatives.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said the Labor Party had spoken to representatives on the “front line” tackling family violence, alcohol abuse, incarceration and anti-social behaviour.
“This investment will make a big difference to our area.
“I’m looking forward to working with Council, local residents and businesses to get the most out of this very welcome investment in our local community.”
Hotham MP Clare O’Neil said some of the possible funding targets could be CCTV, bollards or proactive programs to support young people out of recidivism.
“This is a community that has been ignored by the Liberal Federal Government. Labor will get on the front foot to invest in community cohesion and safety by investing $1.5 million to make this community safer.”
The local Labor MPs say the announcement builds on falling crime rates and 96 new police officers being rolled out in the South East.
Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades said it was “wonderful” that the community had a choice in how the funding was spent – if an ALP government was elected.
“There’s a lot you can do with the funding but I would want to sit down and work out what’s best for the community.”
Greens candidate Rhonda Garad supported the “community-led” approach to safety issues.
She said whilst there had been a fall in the local crime rate, the rates of violence against women was one of the highest in the state.
“A strong focus is needed to reduce violence against women which involves raising awareness, police training and supportive social supports to women.
“We also strongly support adequate funding of local women’s services to provide this support.”
John MacIsaac, the Liberal candidate for Bruce, did not respond by deadline.
