Shadow Minister for Police Jeremy Hanson has expressed disappointment that a motion to refer the issue of ACT police numbers and resourcing to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety has been voted down by Labor and the Greens.

Mr Hanson said since the Labor-Greens government removed $15 million from the budget for ACT Police in 2013, police numbers and resources have steadily declined.

“What we have seen over the last decade, is a decision made by Labor and the Greens to defund the police,” Mr Hanson said.

“The ACT has the lowest number of police per capita in Australia and despite this government promising 69 new officers in 2019, the number of sworn ACT officers has actually fallen.

“It has become so bad that earlier this year, the Chief Police Officer publicly stated that police numbers need to be increased to meet current and future demand as does funding for equipment and resources.

“Not having an adequate number of police is not only a concern for the community but especially for the health and mental wellbeing of our officers.

“Despite the rhetoric from this government, like so many areas across the ACT, money has continually been diverted from policing to pay for the tram.

“While Labor and the Greens continue to neglect our frontline workers, the Canberra Liberals will continue to fight on behalf of our hardworking police officers who are continually neglected by this government,” Mr Hanson concluded.