From the Premier of Victoria
PA/15/09 10 June 2009
Increased Police presence to improve safety on our rail network
Premier John Brumby and Police Minister Bob Cameron today joined Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland at St Albans Railway Station to announce new measures to improve safety at railway stations with a record of violent behaviour.
New initiatives announced today by the Chief Commissioner include additional patrols by uniform police, transit members, the dog squad, mounted branch and air-wing, as well as traffic operations and booze buses targeting trouble sports in and around Sunshine, St Albans, Thomastown and the Clayton and Dandenong areas.
Mr Brumby said safety on Victoria’s transport network was important for commuters and a priority for the Government.
“These new measures will increase safety for all commuters using the rail network, particularly those commuters travelling alone or at night,” Mr Brumby said.
“Recently, there have been a small number of attacks on some members of our community including international students from India. Such attacks are deplorable and rightly condemned by the Victorian community.
“The overall rate of crime in Victoria is the lowest in Australia, but incidence of violence against a member of our community will not be tolerated.”
The high-visibility police operation will be based on the successful Safe Streets Task Force model which has seen police flood the streets of Melbourne to tackle alcohol related violence.
Today’s announcement comes on top of a $19 million investment in the State Budget to enable police to deploy 50 extra transit police to patrol and keep the public transport network safe.
The Government’s crackdown on violence also includes law reforms that will require judges to take into account hatred for or prejudice against a particular group as an aggravating factor when sentencing.The Victorian Government has also announced a Harmony Walk on 12 July to reaffirm to the world Victoria’s strong support for multiculturalism.
“The Harmony Walk will bring together Victorian communities to recognise and celebrate the contribution of ethnic, cultural and religious communities to the state,” Mr Brumby said.
“Victoria is a safe and peaceful place for international visitors and students, and we want every person who comes to Victoria to have a safe and peaceful experience.”
Police Minister Bob Cameron said that the Victorian Government and Victoria Police were committed to protecting our communities.
“Today’s announcement - on top of the 350 extra police being delivered this term – will go a long way to ensuring Victoria remains the safest state in Australia,” Mr Cameron said.