Victorians are paying the price for Labor's mismanagement as new data reveals community safety outcomes continue to worsen.
The 2023-24 Annual Reports from Victoria Police, Justice and Community Safety and the Youth Parole Board reveal:
- Overall criminal offences recorded increased by 9.1 per cent from 506,214 to 552,228.
- Almost four in 10 offenders leaving prison return within two years.
- The number of young people reporting a history of self-harm increased by 12 per cent.
- The number of prisoners on parole aged 17-24 increased by 31 per cent.
- Only three in 10 adult prisoners are engaged in education programs, 16.7 per cent fewer than the target rate.
- The annual WorkCover Premium rate for Victoria Police increased from 5.56 per cent to 8.59 per cent in the year, predominantly due to the rise in Mental Health claim injuries. Overall, the WorkCover Premium additional cost for Victoria Police was $87.3 million in 2023–24.
Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Youth Parole Board found 62 per cent of youth offenders were a victim of abuse, trauma or neglect as a child.
Shadow Minister for Police, Youth Justice and Criminal Justice Reform, Brad Battin, said: "This data confirms that the Allan Labor Government is failing to protect Victorians.
"It is however, not surprising given this year's State Budget confirmed an almost $20 million cut to crime prevention, community-based offender supervision and youth diversion programs.
"All Victorians have the right to feel safe and this data just shows that Labor is not committed to this or to breaking the cycle of crime, particularly where young males are concerned.
"Labor cannot manage money, cannot keep communities safe and Victorians are paying the price."
