General News
20 April, 2026
Liberals commit to Ararat Police
RECEPTION at Ararat Police Station will return to 24 hour operation if the Coalition wins November’s election. Member for Wester Victoria Joe McCracken said community safety will be restored to Ararat as part of a Coalition plan to grow police number by 3,000 across the state.
“Under Labor, cops are down, but crime is up. Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking,” he said.
“Police rosters have more than 1,500 vacancies, over 40 police stations are closing or operate on reduced hours – including in Ararat. But criminal offending has surged to an all-time high and almost half of all crimes remain unsolved,” Mr McCracken said.
In recent years, the reception counter at Ararat Police Station has been reduced to 7am to 11pm, whereas previously the station was open 24 hours.
Police command say that the reduction allows police to carry out more patrols throughout the night.
As part of the Liberals and Nationals’ Safer Communities Plan, a future Jess Wilson led Government will:
· Reopen the more than 40 police stations closed or operating on reduced hours under Labor, including Ararat Police Station.
· Recruit 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers.
Half of the 3,000 recruits will be made up of experienced police officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, replicating a successful scheme in Western Australia, with relocation allowances of $5,000 per successful applicant, backed by a recruitment campaign.
Dedicated recruitment teams will be established to fast-track applicant checks and multiple squads to be run simultaneously.
Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, Brad Battin, said police numbers have reached unacceptable levels.
“Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking – resulting in record high crime levels.
“This significant boost in police numbers will provide Victoria Police with the resources they need to crack down on offending and restore community safety across our state,” he said.
Mr McCracken, said the policy will improve community safety by strengthening local policing, increasing accessibility for residents, and helping to deter crime through a more consistent presence.
“Only our Liberal and Nationals team has a comprehensive plan to end Labor’s crime crisis and keep Victorians safe.”
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