Peter Dutton has pledged to crack down on crime gangs if elected, unveiling a $750 million plan aimed at tackling criminal activity nationwide.
Titled Operation Safer Communities, the Opposition Leader’s proposal includes the creation of a national drug strike force and a 12-month trial of a National Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, which would allow parents to check whether individuals in contact with their children have prior convictions for child sex offences. The initiative is modelled on programs already operating in Western Australia and the United Kingdom.
Dutton said organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs were causing serious harm in communities.
“These gangs are pushing drugs onto the streets, fuelling break-ins and car thefts as people steal to feed their habits,” Mr Dutton said.
“I’ll strengthen our laws, increase funding for police and intelligence services, and work to shut down crime gangs, secure our borders, and keep communities safe.
“Labor has let down Australians on community safety. Only the Coalition has a comprehensive plan to tackle the crime crisis and restore safety in our suburbs.”
The package would also bolster Australia’s border drug screening technology, step up efforts to intercept date-rape drugs used in drink spiking, and introduce national “post and boast” laws. These laws would criminalise the promotion of criminal behaviour on social media, with offenders potentially banned from platforms for up to two years.
Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash accused Labor of ignoring growing crime problems across the country.
“Peter Dutton has a proven track record of being tough on crime and, if elected Prime Minister, will deliver stronger protections for Australians,” Senator Cash said, referencing Mr Dutton’s past career as a Queensland police officer.
