JACINTA Allan has ignored the growing levels of violence in Bendigo and residents have every right to be disappointed and disillusioned with our two state Labor members of parliament.
Even more disturbing is that the police minister is also the Member for Bendigo West.
Even he does not care that violent incidents in Bendigo are the norm.
This is despite the Bendigo Advertiser constantly reporting on serious crimes on Bendigo streets.
After 11 years of Labor, Bendigo residents cannot expect their elected members of parliament to stand up and fight for their residents’ right to safer streets and a sense of security in their own homes.
In 2002, Jacinta Allan agreed in Parliament that there were law and order issues in Bendigo.
She identified crime prevention and police numbers as important issues.
Yet, eight years on, Jacinta Allan has strangely remained silent on this issue.
It appears John Brumby has gagged Labor members in Bendigo from speaking up on this issue.
Although the Safe City Forum in March set a target to reduce crime by 20 per cent, the city has received no support from our two local members.
The police association has identified a shortage of 81 police in the Greater Bendigo region.
From the hundreds of people I have spoken to personally on this issue, the Brumby government has not done enough to ensure residents feel safe in their community.
The deafening silence and action from Jacinta Allan and the police minister on increasing violent incidents in Bendigo speaks of arrogance and reveals just how out of touch they have become after 11 years in government.
MICHAEL LANGDON,
Liberal candidate
for Bendigo East
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