Speaking in parliament, Ms O’Keeffe highlighted recent incidents, including a youth machete attack that involved a group of up to 20 people, an alleged carjacking and assault of an Uber driver, and two young women being assaulted in broad daylight in the middle of Shepparton.
Crime across the state continues to rise, with the criminal incident rate 18.1 per cent higher year-on-year over the most recent reporting period ending March 2025.
“Labor has cut nearly $50 million from Victoria Police’s budget, leaving our frontline officers overstretched and under-equipped,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
She reiterated her support for the upcoming Greater Shepparton PSA Victoria Police — Neighbourhood Policing Forum.
The event will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, July 23 at the Parklake Hotel Conference Room, 481 Wyndham St, Shepparton, and Ms O’Keeffe encouraged all interested residents to attend and hear from local police.
“I have asked the minister directly if he could also attend the Neighbourhood Policing Forum to hear firsthand from our police and the community regarding their concerns around the increasing levels of crime in our region,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“And for him to provide his response regarding how he will assist our region on the increasing incidents of crime.
“It is clear that the Allan Labor Government can’t manage crime, can’t manage community safety and it’s Victorians who are paying the price.”
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