March 14, 2025
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is backing Bendigo Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean’s local plan to combat crime in the Bendigo region, after hearing from concerned local residents.
“Premier Jacinta Allan has finally admitted that her government has failed Victorians with bail laws, which put the offender’s rights ahead of victims,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The first responsibility of every government is to keep the community safe and the feedback we are receiving from locals is that crime is out of control.
“Current MP Lisa Chesters has wiped her hands of the issue and says the recent violence in Bendigo is a State Government responsibility. The people of Bendigo want leadership to bring locals together to develop and deliver a local plan to keep people safe at home and in the community.”
Mr Lethlean has already committed to more funding for Crime Stoppers and 57 new CCTV cameras across Bendigo and has pledged to organise a local crime summit in his first 100 days in the role of Member for Bendigo, if he wins the seat at the federal election, to understand if there is more federal support required.
“I won’t be buck-passing the crime problem,” Mr Lethlean said.
“I will bring together Victoria Police, community leaders, educators, social workers and business representatives to see what else we can do to keep our community safe.
“Our police do a terrific job but we need to support their hard work and do so much more.
“I have spoken to hundreds of locals in the past few weeks and they are fed up with the increase in violent crime.
”It comes after fed up residents demonstrated outside the Victorian Premier’s office this week against youth crime in Bendigo.
75-year-old Gwen Kerr attended the rally to speak about “out of control” crime.
So far this year, Gwen’s Department of Housing unit complex has already had part of it set on fire, followed by a separate and “terrifying” home invasion just days later.
The alleged offender of the arson attack has his case set down for bail at Bendigo Country Court today, (Friday).
“I am frightened, I won’t go out after dark, the fear is that this will happen again,” Gwen said.
“Crime is out of control and no one, until I spoke to Andrew, was prepared to do anything to help.
“I have voted Labor my whole life but not this year. I am so grateful to Andrew that I am joining The Nationals and voting for Andrew, because we need a change.
“I have lost all faith in the Victorian Premier. I have worked many, many times for Labor but not anymore.”
Mr Lethlean said all options needed to be on the table including stronger bail laws, additional funding for youth diversion programs, support for teachers dealing with poor behaviour, and extra investment in sporting and community groups to encourage more participation in positive activities.
Our priorities are building stronger regional economies and secure communities, delivering opportunity and prosperity for all regional Australians, and ensuring a sustainable environment.
Stronger, more secure, sustainable local communities that provide the opportunity for everyone to prosper will deliver a stronger, more secure and sustainable nation.
The Nationals commitment to the national interest does not stop there. The Nationals provide a considered and common sense perspective on all elements of Government policy and a balance between Australia’s political extremes.
