Higher levels of community safety will be restored to East Gippsland and across Victoria with 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers to be recruited under a Jess Wilson led Liberal and Nationals government.
Under Labor, cops are down and crime is up.
Under Labor, our population is growing, but our police force is shrinking.
Police rosters have more than 1,500 vacancies, over 40 police stations have closed or are operating under reduced hours – including Lakes Entrance.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said our local police are doing a great job, but they need government support.
“That’s why we also announced recently those who initiate police chases or speed from an incident will be held responsible under a new charge.”
As part of the Liberal and Nationals’ Safer Communities Plan, a future Jess Wilson led Government will:
• Re-open the more than 40 police stations closed or operating on reduced hours under Labor, including Lakes Entrance.
• Recruit 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers.
Half of the 3,000 recruits will be made up of experienced police officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, replicating a successful scheme in Western Australia, with relocation allowances of $5,000 per successful applicant, backed by a recruitment campaign.
Dedicated recruitment teams will be established to fast-track applicant checks and multiple squads to be run simultaneously.
Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, Brad Battin, said: “Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking – resulting in record high crime levels.
“This significant boost in police numbers will provide Victoria Police with the resources they need to crack down on offending and restore community safety across our state.
“Only our Liberal and Nationals’ team has a comprehensive plan to end Labor’s crime crisis and keep Victorians safe,” he said.
Caption: Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, pictured at Lakes Entrance Police Station, says a Liberal and Nationals’ government will recruit 3,000 additional police across Victoria to boost community safety.
Monday, 13 March 2026
