The Victorian Farmers Federation says it wants firmer commitments from all sides of politics, on the funding of a dedicated rural crime and stock squad.
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At its Ballarat conference, VFF members passed a motion calling for more funding for a designated rural crime squad.
It followed an announcement, by State opposition leader Matthew Guy, a coalition government would set up a dedicated Victoria Police rural crime and livestock squad.
“We will help Victoria Police establish a dedicated livestock and rural crime squad, under this two dozen specialist crime investigators, will be stationed in regional Victoria, to ensure this major economic crime is treated with the respect it deserves,” Mr Guy said.
VFF Livestock group president Len Vallance said while the opposition committed to setting up a dedicated group, it didn’t say it would be fully funded.
“We currently have 50 Agricultural Liaison Officers around the state, with no money,” Mr Vallance said.
Mr Vallance said farmers had become disillusioned with the system, so often did not report thefts.
“When an officer goes on long service leave, holidays or goes sick, there is no-one to pick up the mess,” Mr Vallance said.
“When there is a mob of sheep stolen, they move and get reidentified fairly quickly.
“As detectives tell you, the first 24 hours is critical - if they are not there in that 24 hours, they don’t solve the crime.”
Farmers had an attitude of ‘what’s the point?’ in reporting theft.
“That’s an issue in itself, so we want firm commitments, out of both sides of politics, on what they are going to do.”
Victorian National Party leader Peter Walsh said while the Chief Commissioner of Police would determine where the resources went, the funding would be for dedicated officers.
“That’s fair enough, the Chief Commissioner determines were the resources go, that’s the rules,” Mr Walsh said.
“But this is actually dedicated funding for 20 officers, who will do that particular role.
“It is real, there is the money there to employ the staff.”
Premier, Daniel Andrews said significant resources had already been allocated by Victoria Police, with a number of AGLO’s and a unit specialising in farm crime.
“If the Chief Commissioner says to me, he would like to boost the existing unit, of course, he would receive those additional funds.
“The notion there isn’t a dedicated team of people who have expert skills and experience in this part of crime, is simply wrong.”
Mr Andrews said further support for police was very important.
“We will make investments we need to make, not just in one area of policy, but in several, as our team will deliver the best investment for farmers.”