Council
21 November, 2025
Regional policing abandoned
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has hit out at the state government, saying she believes it has left small country police stations “to wither.”
“The government has abandoned proactive policing in regional Victoria, leaving police stations to wither and communities at risk,” she said.
“Labor’s cuts to Victoria Police and its failure to recruit has pushed our frontline officers to breaking point.
“This goes to the heart of the safety and cohesion of our communities.”
Ms Britnell believes Victoria Police has scrapped minimum staffing requirements for stations, a move widely seen as a last-ditch attempt to mask the impact of chronic underfunding.
“Labor’s budget cuts are not only straining frontline resources, but could also triggerfurther reductions in station operating hours, and even more closures.
“Is this the final blow to single-officer stations in rural communities?
“Local police know the families, the school principals, the footy coaches; they’re embedded in the fabric of these towns. Their presence deters crime before it starts.”
She added that already, 43 stations were either shut or operating on reduced hours.
“In a concerning shift, the power to close stations has been delegated from the Chief Commissioner to local area managers, a bureaucratic sleight of hand that makes closures easier and more frequent, especially amid ongoing staff shortages.
“Under Labor, Victoria is now 2,000 officers short. They promised 500 extra officers back in 2022, but full-time operational roles have actually dropped.”
Ms Britnell echoed the concerns of Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick, who said that Victoria Police has been forced into crisis management instead of crime prevention.
“Regional communities deserve better. We need proactive policing, not closures, not cuts, and not more excuses,” Ms Britnell said.
