When question time commenced in the Victorian state parliament on September 9, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Just days before, the brutal murders of two young boys, 12-year-old Chol Achiek and his 15-year-old friend Dau Akueng, had sent shockwaves through the community. The tragic event, captured in harrowing CCTV footage, showed the boys being attacked with machetes in a suburban street near their homes. This incident has sparked a fierce political debate about crime and safety in Victoria.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin, drawing on his background as a former police officer, voiced the anguish felt by the community. Recounting a conversation with a first responder at the scene, Battin quoted, “I don’t know if I can ever go back to work, it is the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.” He questioned Premier Jacinta Allan with palpable frustration, “Premier, how has it come to this under your government?” Allan responded by condemning the violence and expressing her condolences to the grieving families.
This exchange highlights a broader issue that could influence the upcoming state election: public perception of safety and the effectiveness of government responses to crime. The latest statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency show a troubling rise in criminal activity across Victoria, with car thefts, burglaries, and shoplifting increasing significantly.
The Political Landscape and Crime
Crime has historically been a pivotal issue in elections, as seen in Queensland’s last election. The murder of Vyleen White, a 70-year-old grandmother, became a focal point for the opposition’s campaign, which emphasized tougher juvenile justice policies. This strategy contributed to the Liberal National Party’s victory, suggesting that public safety concerns can indeed sway voter sentiment.
In Victoria, Battin’s campaign strategy appears to mirror this approach, focusing heavily on crime. However, some within his party worry that an overly narrow focus could backfire, as it did in the 2018 election when the Coalition’s law-and-order campaign failed to resonate with voters.
Crime Statistics and Public Perception
The recent data released by the Crime Statistics Agency paints a grim picture, with offenses reaching unprecedented levels. Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill described the situation as a “perfect storm,” with family violence incidents also on the rise. Despite these figures, some Liberal colleagues fear that focusing solely on crime might alienate voters concerned about other issues like health, public transport, and energy.
“The priority of any government should be to keep you safe, and at the moment, people aren’t feeling safe,” Battin stated, underscoring his commitment to addressing crime.
To bolster his campaign, Battin has been engaging with communities across Melbourne’s western suburbs, where crime remains a hot topic. His efforts aim to demonstrate that public safety is not just a political talking point but a genuine concern among constituents.
Historical Context and Lessons Learned
Reflecting on past elections, it’s clear that crime can be a decisive issue, but it often acts as a barometer for broader governmental effectiveness. In 2010, crime and corruption concerns helped Ted Baillieu’s Liberal Party to victory in Victoria. His promise to deploy armed protective service officers on public transport was initially met with skepticism but has since become a lasting policy.
Similarly, the 2018 election showed that while crime was a concern, the Labor government’s proactive measures, such as hiring more police and tightening bail laws, reassured voters. This suggests that while crime is a critical issue, voters also value comprehensive policy responses and government accountability.
Looking Ahead: The Election’s Crime Factor
As Victoria approaches its next state election, the handling of crime will undoubtedly be scrutinized. The government’s recent legislative changes, including stricter bail conditions for high-harm offenses, indicate a shift towards tougher crime policies. These measures are designed to address public safety concerns and demonstrate responsiveness to voter demands.
“We need more police prosecutors to charge and process more people through the courts, and we need more magistrates to hear those cases,” stated Police Minister Anthony Carbines, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling crime.
Ultimately, the election will hinge not just on crime statistics but on whether voters feel their concerns are being heard and addressed. As the political landscape evolves, both major parties will need to balance crime policies with broader social issues to capture the electorate’s trust and support.
