UPDATE: In a bold move, Opposition Leader Brad Battin has just announced a transformative safety plan aimed at combating retail crime in Melbourne. The Coalition proposes to deploy an additional 200 Protective Service Officers (PSOs) to high-risk shopping areas, with a total budget of $70 million fully allocated for this initiative.
This urgent proposal comes as crime rates in shopping centres continue to rise, pushing the need for immediate action. Battin’s plan ensures that there will be no cutbacks at railway stations, maintaining a strong security presence for commuters while expanding coverage to retail spaces.
Under this initiative, the Coalition will consult with Victoria Police to strategically target the highest-need areas. The announcement includes provisions for the new PSOs to be equipped with metal detectors, enhancing safety measures against knife crime in public spaces.
“Labor did nothing in over a decade to protect shoppers and retail workers,” Battin stated emphatically. “My government will put PSOs into shopping malls to protect shoppers and keep the PSOs at train stations to protect commuters.”
This significant commitment challenges the recent overhaul of PSOs announced by the Allan Government, which aims to reduce the permanent PSO presence at train stations. Instead, officers are expected to patrol the public transport network and nearby shopping areas, a move that has raised concerns about safety among residents and commuters.
The $70 million funding will primarily cover the hiring and training costs of the additional PSOs, with $7 million allocated specifically for equipping all police and protective service officers with metal-detecting wands. This proactive approach signifies the Coalition’s determination to prioritize public safety ahead of the 2026 State Election.
As crime in retail environments poses an increasing threat, Battin’s proposal could reshape the landscape of public safety in Victoria. The urgency of this initiative reflects the pressing need for enhanced security measures to protect both shoppers and retail workers.
What happens next? The Coalition will be closely monitoring public response and is expected to ramp up campaigning for the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of safety in community spaces. As discussions unfold, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of Battin’s plan in addressing the rising concerns of crime in Melbourne.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
