A recent surge in violent crime across Hume has prompted councillor Jim Overend to call for tougher action from the Victorian government to keep local communities safe.
Over the past three weeks, three serious incidents – a fight outside Greenvale Secondary College, another that began at Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre and spilled into the Hume Global Learning Centre, and a stabbing outside Craigieburn Plaza – have left many residents feeling anxious about their safety.
The Burt-kur-min Ward councillor said residents were becoming increasingly fearful after the recent spate of violence.
“People in our suburbs are telling me they feel unsafe to leave their homes,” he said. “As law and order is the responsibility of the State government, we need more action and less talk to keep our community safe.”
Under the adopted notice of motion, council will write to three key state ministers – the Minister for Police, the Minister for Education, and the Attorney-General – seeking details on measures being taken to improve safety across Hume.
Specifically, council will request information on:
- Police resources available to prevent violent incidents and reassure residents
- Security improvements being made at local schools; and
- How the State Government’s new bail laws are being implemented across Victoria
Cllr Overend said the motion was aimed at securing greater accountability and transparency from the government on how community safety was being addressed.
“Council may not control policing or justice, but we can make sure the concerns of our residents are heard loud and clear,” he said.