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Ley and Allan clash over Victoria's 'out of control' crime crisis in escalating political row

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 14:19 GMT by Sky News Australia
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Sussan Ley, the National Party leader, has taken her critique of Victoria’s crime situation straight to the state’s capital, igniting a fresh debate about the effectiveness of the Allan government’s policing strategy. In a visit to Melbourne, Ley accused Premier Daniel Andrews of “losing control” of a rising crime wave and warned that the opposition would step in if the current leadership failed to curb violence and property offences.

The Crime Surge That Has Been the Talk of the Town

Victoria’s police statistics show a disturbing uptick in crime in the past two years. According to the Victorian Police Annual Report, the number of violent offences increased by 11% in 2023, with assaults, domestic violence incidents, and robbery cases all climbing. The most alarming figure is the rise in violent crime against women, which has grown by 17% year‑on‑year. In metropolitan areas, particularly in inner‑city suburbs, police reports of burglary and theft have also surged, prompting fears that the state is slipping into a period of “urban crime chaos.”

Ley’s comments echo concerns that have already surfaced in the media. A recent article in The Age highlighted the spike in “high‑risk” neighbourhoods, citing a 23% increase in youth‑related offences. The Sun Herald added that the state’s “police budget has not kept pace with rising crime” and that community groups are calling for more resources. These reports set the backdrop for Ley’s critique, positioning her as a vocal opponent of what she sees as the Andrews administration’s failure to protect citizens.

Ley’s Road to Melbourne

During a press conference at the Melbourne CBD, Ley launched into a blistering indictment of the Victorian government’s crime‑control policies. “The current government has lost control of the crime wave that is threatening our communities,” she told reporters. “We cannot let this continue while our citizens are living in fear.” She went on to say that the opposition is ready to step in if the government’s strategies are proven ineffective.

Ley also highlighted the perceived disconnect between the state’s crime data and its public messaging. She cited a June statement by Premier Andrews, in which the premier promised “robust action” against crime, but noted that the numbers were not improving. “We are being told the problem is under control while the statistics say otherwise,” Ley added, “and that is unacceptable.”

In a move that caught several officials off‑guard, Ley announced that the National Party would form a “Crime Taskforce” to be convened in partnership with local law‑enforcement agencies. The taskforce would assess the efficacy of current policing methods, recommend changes to sentencing guidelines, and propose stricter regulations on firearms and personal protective equipment for high‑risk officers.

Government Response

Premier Daniel Andrews, who had a brief press appearance at the same time, declined to give an interview to the Sky News reporters that asked him about Ley’s accusations. However, his office released a statement reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety. “The Andrews government remains focused on community protection and is actively investing in law‑enforcement resources, including the deployment of additional officers and community‑based programs,” the statement read. “We do not believe the recent crime statistics represent a crisis that cannot be managed, and we will continue to monitor and adjust our strategies as needed.”

The Victorian Police Association (VPA) also weighed in, with its spokesperson stating that the police force is “fully engaged in addressing the rise in crime” and that the government’s budgetary increases have already begun to yield results. “Our officers are on the front lines every day, and we will not allow the crime statistics to be used as a political weapon,” the spokesperson said.

Wider Implications

The timing of Ley’s comments is significant. Victoria is scheduled for state elections in early 2026, and the National Party is looking to position itself as the principal alternative to the incumbent Liberal‑National coalition. By spotlighting crime, Ley hopes to galvanise voters who feel uneasy about the state’s safety measures. She also hints at a possible cross‑state partnership, as she mentioned a desire for “national consistency in crime‑control legislation.” This approach could resonate with Australian voters who view crime as a nationwide issue, not one confined to Victoria.

In the same vein, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that other opposition parties, including the Greens, have also criticised the Andrews government for not doing enough to address domestic violence and gang activity. The Green leader, Adam Bandt, has called for a “comprehensive approach to crime prevention” that includes education, mental‑health support, and stronger community policing. Ley’s campaign aligns with these calls, though she emphasises a more punitive approach, citing a “need for harsher penalties” for repeat offenders.

A Call to Action

In her closing remarks, Ley promised that the National Party would be ready to step in “should the Andrews government fail to bring this crime wave under control.” She said that her party’s policy platform includes “increased police funding, tougher sentencing for violent crimes, and a review of the state’s gun‑control laws.” Ley also called on the federal government to collaborate more closely with state agencies to ensure a unified response to crime.

As the debate rages on, the outcome of this political showdown will likely hinge on the next few months’ crime statistics and the public’s perception of the state’s safety. While the Andrews government remains steadfast in its defence, Sussan Ley has set the stage for a showdown that could shape the political landscape of Victoria—and potentially Australia—over the coming years.