VAGO report shows why Daniel Andrews’ PSO go-slow is wrong

Shadow Minister for Police, Edward O’Donohue

Background information

The Victorian Auditor General today released its report Public Safety on Victoria’s Train System.

It found indicators of satisfaction with personal security on train platforms after dark and of the percentage of Victorians who feel safe on public transport at night have both risen by over 10 per cent since the introduction of the Coalition PSO program.

Recorded crime at train stations also increased – in part due to increased detection and reporting by PSOs.

The report reminded that in 2011, the former government committed $212 million over four years to recruit 940 protective services officer (PSO) for deployment at 212 metropolitan rail stations and four regional stations, every night from 6pm until after the last train.

VAGO confirmed that PSOs were rolled out to 170 stations by November 2014 but only seven more stations had received PSOs by 1 June 2015.

In 2011 Labor’s now Deputy Premier James Merlino used parliament to describe protective services officers as “plastic police”.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue

We welcome the Auditor General’s findings that more people are feeling safer on our public transport at night since the introduction of the Coalition’s PSO program.

Today’s findings demonstrate why Daniel Andrews needs to get on with the job of completing the rollout of the PSO program to all 216 stations.

With dozens of stations still to receive their PSOs, thousands of passengers are missing out on this important community safety measure under Daniel Andrews.

Victorians are paying the price for a Labor go-slow on this program, which is not surprising given that Daniel Andrews’ own team has talked PSOs down as “plastic police.”

Media contact:        John Deller on 0400 496 596            john.deller@opposition.vic.gov.au