State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said police were facing budget cuts, from $4.55 billion to $4.5 billion allocated, despite “soaring crime rates” across the region.
“The Allan Labor Government has lost control of law and order in Victoria,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Victorians should feel safe in their homes, businesses and on the streets — but under Labor, crime is running rampant, and locals are paying the price.”
According to the Victorian Government’s criminal incident rate reports, incidents in Mitchell Shire were up in 2024 by 36.4 per cent when compared to the previous year, with 2744 incidents reported in 2023 and 3742 reported in 2024.
In Seymour alone, 1018 incidents were reported in 2024, as opposed to the 881 of the previous year.
“These statistics aren’t just numbers — they represent real people in our towns who are living in fear,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We’re hearing of stolen vehicles in Violet Town, farm break-ins near Benalla and Colbinabbin, robberies at the Murchison Community House and widespread property damage — all while locals are left begging for answers on community pages or contacting my office in desperation.
“Community safety is not a political game — it’s a fundamental right.”
The Victorian budget 2025-26 is the first of state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes’ since her appointment as treasurer.
In response to Ms Cleeland’s concerns, Ms Symes said the Euroa MP’s claims that the Victoria Police budget had been cut were false.
Ms Symes nodded to the ‘patience in bargaining’ payment made to Victoria Police when EBA negotiations were resolved, which led to a revised figure in the 2024-25 Victorian budget.
This payment was a one-off that does not feature in this year’s budget.
“Annabelle Cleeland is once again wrong. Sending out misinformation to the community leads to unnecessary distress and she should check her facts first, she has demonstrated she cannot be trusted on community safety,” Ms Symes said.
“Victoria Police has not had its budget cu; in fact, it’s increased and Victoria Police continue to be the highest funded service in the country.
“We will always give Victoria Police what they need to keep the community safe — including a brand-new Benalla Police Station and 72 new members for the region.”
An overview of the 2025-26 Victorian budget can be accessed at tinyurl.com/bdhzbspu
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