The Hodgman Liberal Government came to office promising to be tough on crime and make the community a safer place.
I am very pleased with the latest crime statistics released yesterday by Tasmania Police that show a 10 per cent decrease in offences recorded for 2015-16.
Some key reasons for this include a 23 per cent drop in burglary offences, 13 per cent drop in stealing, and a 17 per cent drop in motor vehicle theft.
These figures are a testament to the great work that Tasmanian Police do every day in the community, and I commend them for their commitment in keeping Tasmanians safe.
We came to Government promising to restore police numbers after the Labor-Green Government callously axed more 100 police officers from the police service, and we are delivering on that promise.
As of 10 August 2016 there were 1161 FTE sworn members, and with Police recruitment continuing, numbers are well on track to meet the Government’s target of 1233 FTE by March 2018.
Just this year alone has seen 39 new recruits commence across two separate courses at the Academy, with both intakes set to graduate before the end of this year.
Another four courses will commence between now and the end of 2017, meaning the Academy will be a very busy place in the next 18 months.
Additionally, our plan to phase out suspended sentences is on track with a draft bill recently released for public comment that will allow for the extension of Drug Treatment Orders to the Supreme Court and provide for deferred sentencing.
This will provide judges with a better range of sentencing options that will allow for greater rehabilitation prospects, resulting in less crime, lower reoffending rates, and fewer criminals on our streets.
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