Apex Gang

Shadow Minister for Police, Edward O’Donohue

The Moomba riots shocked Victorians and brought home the risks to community safety under Daniel Andrews.

After failing to front the media for two days, Daniel Andrews belatedly said he would “smash” the Apex Gang, that his government was coming after them and “offenders would feel the full-force of the law”.

If Daniel Andrews is going to talk tough, he needs to back it up.

Under Daniel Andrews, crime is up over 8% and gangs continue to terrorise the community with carjackings, drive-by shootings, home invasions and public brawls.

Despite this shocking crime wave, Daniel Andrews has allowed police stations to close and the number of front line police at stations to be cut.

Police are also restricted in their ability to give chase to offenders under the current pursuit policy, which a Police Association survey showed was opposed by 93% of police.

If juvenile offenders are caught, under the new weakened bail laws, they will likely be back on the streets in a matter of hours potentially free to commit further crimes.

It has become increasingly clear that as a result of Daniel Andrews weakened justice system, the community faces a growing number of emboldened offenders who have no respect for authority and no concern for the consequences of their actions.

Daniel Andrews has been asleep at the wheel while youth gangs such as Apex wreak havoc on our streets and in our homes.

The first responsibility of any government is to protect the community and rather than giving money to his trade union mates, it’s time that the Andrews Government gave our justice system the resources and the authority needed to tackle this lawlessness.

Media Contact:  Jemma Townson  0438 534 111  jemma.townson@opposition.vic.gov.au