Reducing crime is an important priority for the government, and we are working hard to deliver results and help people feel safe in their workplace or community.
We are remaining tough on criminals, and working hard to ensure those who commit crime are held to account for their actions.
We’ve made it harder for violent offenders to get bail, and we have introduced tougher sentences for gangs, and maximum jail sentences for our most serious violent offenders.
Our half-a-billion dollar Safer Communities Package announced earlier this year will fund 1,125 more Police staff, including 880 sworn officers on the frontline. This will help Police respond faster to call-outs, wherever they are.
But controlling crime is also about prevention. Police are identifying areas where aggravated robberies are likely to happen and increasing visibility in these areas. They have delivered a task force and are working directly with businesses and communities on crime-prevention measures.
Last month we also announced $1.8 million in co-funding to address aggravated robbery in our communities. This funding is helping owners of dairies, superettes, and small businesses to cover the costs of security and prevention measures.
We also recognise we must address the underlying drivers of crime in our communities. And this means intervening more effectively to stop young people offending and preventing them from moving on to even more serious crime.
This is why the Safer Communities Package also sets challenging targets for Police to reduce violent crime, youth crime, and reoffending. Including supporting young people to re-engage in education, and set our at-risk youth on a more productive path.
And we are investing $13.9 million as part of Budget 2017 to reduce youth offending - providing mentoring services, and behavioural and family therapy for at-risk youth.
The government is listening to people’s concerns and is working hard to reduce the number of victims in our community.