The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has asked the Minister for Community Safety and Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines, in Parliament what actions will be taken in addressing the continual rise of crime across the Shepparton District.
Recently released data by the Crime Statistics Agency showed that total criminal incidents in Greater Shepparton has increased by more than 20 per cent and Moira Shire by 0.3 per cent.
“My office has been inundated with local residents who are extremely concerned about the recent activity of crime in our community.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms O’Keeffe raised some of the recent crime activity including the youth machete attack which involved a group of up to 20 people, a terrifying carjacking and assault of an Uber driver, and two young women being assaulted in broad daylight in the middle of Shepparton.
Crime across the state continues to rise under the watch of the Allan Labor Government, with the criminal incident rate 18.1 per cent higher year on year over the most recent reporting period ending March 2025.
“Greater Shepparton was ranked the fourth highest Local Government Area in the state for highest recorded offences rate.
“Our local police are doing the best job they can in protecting our community.
“Labor has cut nearly $50 million from Victoria Police’s budget, leaving our frontline officers overstretched and under-equipped.
“However, community safety is being put at risk because of the Allan Labor Government who are weak on crime and weak on protecting community safety.
Ms O’Keeffe reiterated her support for the upcoming Greater Shepparton PSA Victoria Police – Neighbourhood Policing Forum, that is being held on Wednesday July 23 2025 at 1:00pm at the Parklake Hotel Conference Room, 481 Wyndham Street Shepparton and encourages all interested residents in attending and hearing from our local police.
“I have asked the Minister directly if he could also attend the Neighbourhood Policing Forum to hear firsthand from our police and the community regarding their concerns around the increasing levels of crime in our region. And for him to provide his response regarding how he will assist our region on the increasing incidents of crime.
“It is clear that the Allan Labor Government can’t manage crime, can’t manage community safety and its Victorians who are paying the price.”