Constituency Question - Crime in Dendy Park

CONSTITUENCY QUESTION

‘CRIME IN DENDY PARK’

Tuesday, 16 March 2021.

Mr NEWBURY (Brighton) (12:44):

My constituency question is for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and I ask: what has the State Labor Government done to enhance safety in my community after a young girl was sexually assaulted at Dendy Park in Brighton East?

Two weeks ago, a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Dendy Park. For background, despite the violent nature of the crime and the park being a community hub, Victoria Police did not notify the community of the assault.

Many local parents became aware of the crime through word of mouth. It has left many in my community terrified.

As Jodie, a mother of teenagers, has said:

‘It’s not fair on our kids that they are unable to go out with their mates … without fear of being attacked.’

Anne, another concerned parent, has said:

‘The fact that such a violent crime happened last weekend in our area and has not been formally reported to the community totally undermines the safety of our children.’

Anne is right. Why was the crime not reported to my community?

Parents now fear that other crimes at Dendy Park might have been hidden too.

I look forward to the Minister’s response.