A record $1.9 billion Victoria Police budget unveiled today highlights the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to investing in our police officers to deliver a safer Victoria, now and into the future.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, said the record budget of $1.9 billion built on a decade of rebuilding Victoria Police.
Under the record funding in the 2009 State Budget, an additional $48.3 million will go towards improving police facilities across the state.
As part of the package announced today, 10 police stations would be rebuilt or upgraded across regional Victoria and planning funding is provided for a further two new police stations.
Mr Cameron said $16 million of that package was allocated to refurbishing Victoria Police accommodation at the World Trade Centre. Government recognises the need for police departments and resources at 412 St Kilda Rd to move when the lease expires in 2013 and is ensuring planning is undertaken to ensure an efficient relocation.
“The Brumby Labor Government is making the right investments to keep Victorian families safe, rebuild after the bushfires and stimulate the economy, with this budget alone securing up to 35,000 Victorian jobs,” Mr Cameron said.
“Ten regional police stations will be rebuilt – at a cost of $32.3 million – providing a major boost to regional economies and local jobs.”
He said the 2009 State Budget also commits $19 million over four years for 50 extra transit police to patrol and keep the public transport network safe.
“Safety on our public transport network is important for commuters – and this funding delivers on the undertaking the Brumby Labor Government made in our $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan to make our transport system safer,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Brumby Labor Government’s record police budget of $1.9 billion will support our state’s police to keep our community safe. This builds on our Government’s proud record of investment in community safety, including adding 1400 extra police to the force.
“The 2009 State Budget will also deliver a significant boost to road safety in regional and rural Victoria, with $1.8 million going towards fitting police cars with Moving Mode Radar equipment.
“This equipment is an effective way to reduce crashes on undivided highways in regional areas.”
Mr Cameron said $61 million had been allocated to Corrections Victoria to provide an extra 100 prison beds across the system and for the home detention system.
“$4.5 million has also been delivered to extend the Brumby Labor Government's Graffiti Prevention and Removal Strategy which includes the CCS Graffiti Removal program and our Community Grants program.”
