Police Minister intervenes when it suits
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Police Minister intervenes when it suits

The motives behind the Police Minister’s decision to intervene with the hours of operation at Waurn Ponds Police Station in her own area, but not other regions across Victoria such as Lakes Entrance, was raised in State Parliament last week.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, who has been advocating for more police in Lakes Entrance during peak tourism times, was on hand to watch Opposition Leader Matthew Guy quiz the Minister in Question Time last Thursday as to why she intervened following cuts to counter hours at Waurn Ponds, near Geelong, but not Lakes Entrance.

“When I’ve asked the Minister and her predecessors about the operational hours at Lakes Entrance Police Station, and the need for additional resources come Christmas and Easter, I’ve been told it’s a decision for the Chief Commissioner,” Mr Bull said.

“However, it seems the Minister can intervene when it’s in her own region.”

Mr Guy asked: “Minister, why did you intervene regarding cuts to the opening hours at Waurn Ponds police station when you have been a silent and passive bystander while the opening hours have been cut or police stations closed at places such as Endeavour Hills, Greensborough, Burwood, Ashburton, Carrum Downs, Forest Hill, Mount Waverley, Nunawading, Whitfield, Tatura, Somerville, Reservoir, Pakenham, Ballarat West, Mooroolbark, Craigieburn, Epping and Lakes Entrance?

“Minister, at Waurn Ponds you actively intervened in what you have previously said was an operational decision. Why will you not now commit to intervening for the other 18 locations in the same manner that you are gloating about having done for Waurn Ponds?”

“Unfortunately, the Minister could not provide an answer suitable for the concerned communities at these locations, including Lakes Entrance,” Mr Bull said.

“It’s double standards to then hear about the reduced counter areas in one area and take action, but leave the other communities out in the cold,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said he would continue to lobby the Government for additional police resources for the upcoming Christmas and Easter holiday periods.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016