As violent crime continues to escalate in Victoria, the response from Premier Jacinta Allan and her government raises important questions about whether the political leadership is truly in tune with the community’s growing sense of insecurity.
A magistrate recently acknowledged that public opinion strongly favours locking up repeat offenders, yet still granted bail to a youth offender, highlighting a disconnect between the judiciary and the expectations of the public. When questioned about this discrepancy, Allan admitted that the current bail laws are failing Victorians, conceding that changes are necessary to align with community expectations. Yet, her assurances of legislative changes feel like a delayed response to a growing crisis.
This delay in action was further illustrated by recent events in Allan’s own hometown. After a security guard was assaulted by a gang of youths at Bendigo Marketplace, the Premier described the incident as “absolutely sickening” but failed to provide a clear plan of action to prevent further occurrences. Similarly, the brazen invasion of Greek Funeral Director’s home in Clayton, Andrew Tziotzis, while his family was asleep, is another example of the growing problem of violent crime in the state.
While Allan’s government has initiated a review of bail laws, this process is expected to take months, offering little comfort to those whose homes and lives are at risk now.
Furthermore, the response from local politicians like newly elected Werribee MP John Lister only deepens the public’s disillusionment. Lister, despite the surge in violent crime, did not list crime as one of his top five priorities for his electorate, drawing harsh criticism from victims. His focus on issues like congestion and green spaces instead of the escalating crime wave in his own community speaks volumes about the disconnect between politicians and the concerns of their constituents.
Retired Police Detective Charlie Bezzina and Shadow Police Minister David Southwick have also expressed frustration with the government’s failure to enact more decisive policies. Bezzina has warned that the situation is escalating to a point where residents could soon be forced to defend their homes in deadly confrontations with intruders, while Southwick has called for stronger laws, including a ban on machetes and mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders.
In conclusion, while the government acknowledges the need for reform, its failure to take immediate, meaningful action leaves many Victorians feeling unsafe and unsupported. The public is seeking more than just promises and reviews—they need swift and decisive measures to restore confidence in the justice system and ensure their safety. Until this happens, the gap between political rhetoric and community expectations will only continue to widen.
