Crime rates too high, says candidate

Independent candidate for Monash and lawyer Deb Leonard states more must be done to bring crime rates down in the electorate.

Deb Leonard has worked extensively in criminal law as a lawyer in Gippsland. She is often in the local Magistrates Court and sees and hears first-hand the circumstances that lead to offending.

"Family Violence is at critical rates across Gippsland" says Deb.

"More must be done to prevent family violence from occurring in the first place, as well as increased support for victims.

"We need safe houses and early support for potential victims, to enable them to not be locked in financially to a dangerous situation. We also need to address the perpetrators, where a lack of available counselling services, lack of positive lifestyle opportunities, drug and alcohol use and strained financial circumstances, all contribute to increased violence and crime.

"None of these realities are an excuse, but addressing them will lead to lower rates of offending."

The latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) state there were crime increases in Warragul of 13.5 per cent, Drouin 8.5 per cent, Longwarry 36.7 per cent, and in the Baw Baw services area of 11.9 per cent, when compared to the previous year.

Deb believes more funding needs to be put into crime reduction in regional and rural areas and said in terms of youth crime, local police have noted youth offending is often motivated by boredom.

"There is a lack of positive activities and opportunities for social connection for young people in the area.

"I've been involved in several youth programs and can see the positive effect it has on kids. It is vital to keep these kids off the streets and out of trouble," says Deb.

As an independent, Deb is confident she can deliver more for Monash when it comes to crime reduction, family violence support and more facilities for young people.

She plans to speak more to the community and support groups over the coming months, to determine exactly the best way to address these issues for our community.

"I'm not constrained by party politics, so can concentrate my efforts 100 per cent on delivering better outcomes for our electorate," she said.