Martin Cameron – Time to get serious on crime and bail penalties
Wednesday 1 May 2024
After a spate of violent incidents across the Latrobe Valley, The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has called on the Allan Labor Government to take definitive action on crime and bail penalties.
Speaking in State Parliament yesterday, Mr Cameron cited several recent events as evidence the government’s recent decision to weaken bail laws had come at “the worst possible time”.
“In the last two weeks there have been three violent incidents in the Latrobe Valley – two involving machetes – that have left the community shaken and asking questions about what it will take for this government to get serious on crime and bail penalties,” he said.
“Two weeks ago, in broad daylight in the middle of a Traralgon shopping centre, police apprehended a person wielding a machete as mothers and children watched on in horror.
“On Monday a Morwell resident visited my office after a terrifying incident at his home where a man, again brandishing a machete, knocked on his front door and attempted to make entry.
“We all know the tragedy of what unfolded in Bondi just a few weeks ago, and closer to home the horrific alleged murder of beloved doctor Ashley Gordon.
“With these types of violent crime on the rise, the Labor government’s recent decision to weaken bail laws and abolish the offence of committing an indictable offence while on bail has come at the worst possible time.
“Our police are frustrated; they do their bit by getting violent offenders in front of a magistrate, all for them to receive not so much as a slap on the wrist and be back on the streets the very same day.
“What will it take for this government to get serious on crime and bail penalties?”