Government Considers New Police Powers Amid Pressure to Curb Violent Crime

Strategic Insights -

Premier Jacinta Allan announced that the government is considering new police powers to address violent crime after the shocking murder of two children in Melbourne's outer-west. The government is under pressure to bolster penalties for violent crime amid an ongoing pattern of behavior in some parts of the community. Allan conceded that more needs to be done to understand what was behind the senseless act of violence and to support community leaders and Victoria Police.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government is considering new police powers to address violent crime, following the murder of two children in Melbourne's outer-west.
  • Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged that there is an ongoing pattern of behavior in some parts of the community and that more needs to be done to address it.
  • The government has introduced a suite of law-and-order reforms, including stricter bail conditions for serious repeat offenders and new "post and boast" laws targeting criminals who film their offences.
  • A statewide ban on machetes has been in effect since September 1, carrying penalties of up to two years' prison or a $47,000 fine.
  • The government has established a South Sudanese youth justice working group, which will include ministers and police, to find solutions to the fight against violent crime within the community.
  • Opposition Leader Brad Battin has called for tougher youth crime punishments, citing a need to ensure sentencing is in line with community expectations.

Statistics:

  • Up to two years' prison or a $47,000 fine for possession of a machete under the statewide ban.
  • The government has introduced stricter bail conditions for serious repeat offenders.
  • The statewide ban on machetes is in place until November 30, with an amnesty for people to surrender the weapons.
  • 12-year-old Chol Achiek and 15-year-old Dau Akueng were murdered in an ambush in Cobblebank, near Melton on Saturday evening.
  • A South Sudanese youth justice working group has been established to find solutions to the fight against violent crime within the community.

Sources:

  • The Australian: "Government considers new police powers amid pressure to curb violent crime" (date not provided)
  • ABC News: "Victoria's police chief calls for tougher youth crime punishments" (date not provided)
  • The Age: "Premier Jacinta Allan defends response to deaths of two children in Melbourne's outer-west" (date not provided)
  • Parliament of Victoria: "Stricter Bail Conditions for Serious Repeat Offenders" (last updated September 1, 2023)