Victoria has once again been shaken by tragic events that have left the community reeling.
Two children, aged 12 and 15, were killed in a brutal machete attack in Cobblebank, followed only hours later by a targeted shooting in central Melbourne. These incidents cannot be dismissed as isolated; they are troubling signs of a broader deterioration in public safety.
At moments like these, society seeks reassurance. Responsibility does not rest with a single institution or political party—it is shared across the entire political and institutional framework. What is needed is unity, determination, and coordination.
Police, who are on the frontline, deserve to have their concerns heard. The courts must enforce laws that reflect present-day realities. Political leadership, across the spectrum, must offer direction, show compassion, and build trust.
The debate on how best to address crime must move beyond sterile arguments about bail laws or sentencing. Of course, legislation must be reviewed and adapted where necessary. But the solution will not be found in harsher penalties alone.
What is required is a comprehensive plan: crime prevention strategies, early intervention for at-risk groups, support for families and communities, and stronger cooperation between schools, social services, and law enforcement.
The recent tragedy also underscores that social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. When children lose their lives to such violence, society must ask deeper questions: what drives minors toward violent behaviour, how are communities being eroded, and what role should preventative institutions play? The focus must shift not only to “how we punish,” but also to “how we prevent.”
The essential task is to break the cycle of fear. This requires a clear message: violence has no place in public life. But it also requires concrete action: strengthening police capacity, supporting young people before they make dangerous choices, and investing in local communities.
Ultimately, the problem of violence cannot be solved with short-term fixes or political slogans. It requires long-term planning, consistency, and cooperation. It requires society as a whole to rise to the challenge. That is the true duty owed to the victims and their families.
