Member for Barker Tony Pasin welcomed the Morrison Government’s investment of a further $20 million to help local communities tackle crime hotspots, strengthen security for schools and boost crime prevention efforts.

It is estimated that this additional funding would allow local communities to install up to 2,600 CCTV cameras in around 500 crime hotspots across the country.

This will be funded by the proceeds of crime through the Safer Communities Fund grants program, which has already delivered over $130 million across 340 projects.

Mr Pasin said the Morrison Government’s priority is to keep all Australians safe.

“Australians are entitled to feel safe in their own homes and within their local communities.”

“Our country is the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family and I want to protect that and secure our future with a safer and a stronger economy.”

Under the Morrison Government’s Plan, the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) will receive $90.6 million in additional funding to target organised criminals, particularly bikie and emerging gangs.

Since the Government established the NAGS in 2014, operations have led to the arrest of more than 1270 offenders and the seizure of almost 6,000 illicit firearms and firearms parts and 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors.

We will be tough on drug criminals, but will help individuals and families struggling with addiction.

We have already invested $450 million to help communities fight the impacts of ice, including funding more than 200 Local Drug Action Teams and delivered 435 local drug and alcohol services.

The Morrison Government’s Plan for tackling ice is backed up by a commitment to strengthen the penalties for serious offenders.

We have sought Parliament’s support for mandatory minimum sentences for child sex offenders and firearms trafficking offences.

We will also take action to strengthen the character test to ensure that foreign nationals who commit serious offences against our communities will have their visas cancelled and be removed.

Under the Morrison Government, more than 4400 dangerous criminals have had their visa to stay in Australia cancelled; last year alone we cancelled more visas than Labor did in six years.

Only the Morrison Government can be relied on to deliver safety and security for Australian families.

*Wattle Range Council, Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Rural City of Murray Bridge have been previous recipients of Safe Communities Funding for lighting and CCTV cameras

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466