Victorian election promises
Crime and safety policies and promises at the 2026 Victorian election
What each side says on police, bail, sentencing and emergency services: first from their own policy pages and releases, then as quoted in the ads they've paid for. Labor 8, Liberal 8, Nationals 7.
From the parties' own policies
Summaries of each party's policy pages and releases, in their words, with what they commit to. Follow the link for the full policy.
Not here yet: One Nation. We can't read their policy pages automatically, so read them on their own sites; what they say in their ads is below.
The Nationals
Recruit 3,000 more police and reopen stations in Victoria
The Nationals say they will recruit 3,000 more police officers, with half drawn from experienced officers in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, and reopen the more than 40 police stations they say Labor closed or cut back. They also say they will treat burglary, serious assault and attempted murder as adult crimes and fund a $100 million Safer Communities Plan targeting youth crime.
- Recruit 3,000 more police officers
- Half of recruits to be experienced officers from UK, Ireland and New Zealand
- Reopen more than 40 police stations closed or cut back under Labor
- Deny bail automatically to anyone committing a serious offence on bail
- Treat burglary, serious assault and attempted murder as adult crimes regardless of age
Tougher closure and seizure powers against illicit tobacco trade
The Liberals and Nationals say a Jess Wilson-led government would extend short-term closure powers for illicit tobacco retailers from 90 to 150 days and create a power to seize all tobacco and e-cigarette stock at breach premises. The release also says trafficking illicit tobacco would become a specific offence under the proposed RICO laws.
- Extend short-term closure power from 90 days to 150 days
- Allow seizure of all tobacco and e-cigarette products where breaches are identified
- Allow commercial landlords to end leases without compensation when a short-term closure is ordered
- Ban ATMs at retailers found selling illicit tobacco or operating without a tobacco licence
- Make trafficking illicit tobacco a specific offence under proposed RICO laws
New CFA trucks, stations and volunteer recruitment drive
The Nationals and Liberals say a $200 million commitment would deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years, 17 new or upgraded fire stations, and a campaign to recruit 10,000 additional volunteers over a decade. They also say they would establish an Emergency Services Volunteer Ombudsman and scrap Labor's emergency services tax, restoring the former Fire Services Property Levy model.
- Deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years
- Build or upgrade 17 fire stations
- Recruit 10,000 additional volunteers over the next decade
- Establish a ministerial consultative group on investment priorities
- Establish an Emergency Services Volunteer Ombudsman
Fund new pumper truck for Inverloch CFA
The Liberals and Nationals say a Jess Wilson-led government would fund a new pumper truck for the Inverloch CFA, replacing the brigade's 27-year-old vehicle. The pumper truck is part of a $200 million CFA plan that the parties say includes 335 new trucks and 17 new and upgraded stations.
- Fund a new pumper truck for Inverloch CFA
- Replace the Inverloch brigade's 27-year-old pumper truck
- Part of a $200 million plan for the CFA
- Deliver 335 new CFA trucks
- Build or upgrade 17 CFA stations
Tougher laws to crack down on illicit tobacco trade
The Liberals and Nationals say a Jess Wilson-led government would introduce measures against Victoria's illicit tobacco and vape trade, including extending short-term closure powers from 90 to 150 days and a new seizure power for tobacco and e-cigarette stock. They also say they would make illicit tobacco a specific offence under RICO laws.
- Extend short-term closure power from 90 to 150 days
- Seize all tobacco and e-cigarette products where breaches are identified
- Allow landlords to end leases without compensation when closure is ordered
- Ban ATMs at retailers selling illicit tobacco or operating without a licence
- Make illicit tobacco a specific offence under RICO laws
335 new CFA trucks and 17 stations over five years
The Liberal and Nationals say they would deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years, 17 new or upgraded fire stations, and a recruitment drive targeting 10,000 volunteers over a decade, with the truck program beginning on 1 July 2027. They also say they would scrap Labor's emergency services tax and restore the former Fire Services Property Levy model.
- Deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years, reaching 100 trucks per year
- Retire single-cab trucks within 10 years
- Deliver 17 new and upgraded CFA stations
- Target recruitment of 10,000 volunteers over a decade
- Create an Emergency Services Volunteer Ombudsman
Victorian Government
New equipment for Bellarine volunteer emergency services
The Victorian Government says new vessels and equipment have been provided to Queenscliff Coast Guard and Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club to help volunteers respond to water incidents. It says the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is being doubled with an additional $62 million over four years, and 2025-26 grant applications close 28 July.
- Double the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program with an additional $62 million over four years
- Make $30 million available in 2025-26 VESEP grants, with grants up to $250,000
- VESEP applications open until 28 July
New VICSES Footscray facility in Maidstone
The Victorian Government says it will fund a new VICSES Footscray unit facility on Hampstead Road in Maidstone, with room for 90 volunteers, five motor bays and training and office space. Construction is expected to start after project approvals later this year.
- Build new VICSES Footscray facility on Hampstead Road, Maidstone
- Facility to have room for 90 volunteers
- Include five motor bays, training areas and modern office spaces
- Construction expected to start after project approvals later this year
New fire station and heavy tanker for Irymple brigade
The Victorian Government says it has opened a new CFA fire station in Irymple and delivered a new heavy tanker to the brigade, replacing a medium tanker. The page says the work strengthens community safety and emergency response in Mildura.
- Deliver a new fire station with four motor bays in Irymple
- Replace medium tanker with heavy tanker lifting water capacity to 4,000 litres
- Part of rollout of 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers to CFA brigades
Tobacco retail licensing scheme to combat illicit tobacco
The Victorian Government says a tobacco licensing scheme opened for applications on 1 July 2025 as part of its crackdown on illicit tobacco and organised crime. Licences will be required to sell tobacco from February 2026, when enforcement begins.
- Require all tobacco sellers to hold a licence from February 2026
- Licence fee of $1,176 initially, then $830 every year
- Fines of up to $355,000 or 15 years' jail for illicit sellers
- Fourteen licensing inspectors to ensure compliance
- Tobacco Licensing Victoria can cancel licences and disqualify applicants
Open Western Plains Correctional Centre prison
The Victorian Government says the Western Plains Correctional Centre has been officially opened and will begin receiving prisoners from Port Phillip Prison within a week, with more than 900 expected by year's end. It says the 1,248-bed maximum security prison is part of its effort to add prison capacity as remand rates rise.
- Begin transferring prisoners from Port Phillip Prison early next week
- More than 900 people expected at the facility by end of 2025
- Keep 20 subacute beds at St John's open beyond end of 2025
- Employ more than 400 custodial officers on site, including 141 new recruits
New Serpentine fire station construction
The Victorian Labor Government says construction has started on a new fire station on Treloar Street, Serpentine, to replace the current station for the local CFA brigade. The Government says construction is expected to finish next year.
- Build a new fire station on Treloar Street, Serpentine
- Include two motor bays, brigade office and multipurpose training room
- Include workshop, storeroom and separate male and female turnout areas
- Include accessible toilets and modern safety features
- Construction expected to be finished next year
Victorian Labor
Recruit 1,500 more police and expand stop and search powers
Victorian Labor says it will recruit 1,500 additional police alongside 200 extra PSOs and 400 reservists it has already funded. It says it will introduce stop and search powers to search people for knives in public places, open a permanent police academy in Wyndham, and invest in BlueHub mental health support for officers.
- Recruit 1,500 additional police
- Open a new permanent police academy in Wyndham
- Introduce stop and search powers to search people for knives in any public place
- Invest $10 million in BlueHub mental health support for officers
- Train recruits at Glen Waverley, Mildura and Gippsland academies
Family violence disclosure scheme, smart glasses ban and related protections
Labor says it will introduce Clare's Law, a domestic violence disclosure scheme modelled on South Australia's, letting people ask police about a partner's violent history. It also says it will ban smart glasses in places such as pools, change rooms and hospitals, bar people convicted of family violence or sexual offences from dating apps, and let coroners appoint an alternative next of kin.
- Introduce Clare's Law, Victoria's first domestic violence disclosure scheme
- Ban smart glasses in swimming pools, change rooms and community sporting venues
- Ban smart glasses in hospitals, aged care facilities and family violence services
- Make it a criminal offence for convicted family violence or sex offenders to use dating apps
- Allow coroners to appoint an alternative next of kin in domestic violence cases
Recruit 200 more police reservists to staff station counters
Victorian Labor says a re-elected government would recruit 200 more police reservists, who would go straight to police counters at the direction of Victoria Police to help more stations re-open and stay open longer. The release also lists six police station builds and upgrades and a plan to recruit 1,500 more officers.
- Recruit 200 more police reservists for station counters
- Build a new Watergardens Police Station
- Build a new Doncaster Police Station
- Rebuild Keilor Downs and Greensborough Police Stations
- Upgrade Moonee Ponds and Clayton Police Stations
Youth rehabilitation detention for low and mid-level offenders
Victorian Labor says it will introduce a Mandatory Therapeutic Order requiring low and mid-level youth offenders to be held 24/7 in secure residential facilities, including Malmsbury, for up to 12 months. The page says detainees would undertake education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health support and life skills training, and that breaching the order could lead to re-sentencing to youth detention.
- Introduce youth rehabilitation detention via a Mandatory Therapeutic Order
- Hold offenders 24/7 in secure residential youth justice facilities for up to 12 months
- Start with almost 500 places over two years, then scale up
- Require intensive education, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment and mental health support
- Target youth involved in theft, vandalism, property damage and minor assaults
New larger station for Mandurang CFA
Victorian Labor says a re-elected Labor government will invest $3.95 million to deliver a larger station for Mandurang CFA. The party says the current site is landlocked and too small for the brigade's trucks and equipment.
- Invest $3.95 million to deliver a new, larger Mandurang CFA station
150 new fire trucks for the frontline by 2030
Labor says a re-elected Carroll Government will deliver 150 new fire trucks for the CFA and FRV by 2030, with every region to benefit. It also says all FRV trucks will be replaced within their 15-year service life by 2035, and that single-cab CFA tankers will be replaced with trucks made in Victoria.
- Deliver 150 new fire trucks by 2030
- 50 new FRV trucks
- 50 new CFA pumpers and pumper-tankers
- 50 new CFA tankers
- No FRV truck operating beyond its 15-year service life by 2035
Victorian Greens
Justice policy: reduce crime through prevention and restorative responses
The Victorian Greens set out a justice platform of principles and aims. It says it would expand diversion and justice reinvestment, restrict firearms and police use of force, reform bail and sentencing, and reduce prison use. The page gives no costings and no fixed timeframes.
- Prohibit possession and use of semi-automatic guns in the community
- Raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years
- Repeal mandatory sentencing legislation
- Reverting all privatised prisons to public ownership and control
- Abolish detention without charge powers, including in counter-terrorism laws
Demand for independent police family violence audits
The Victorian Greens are calling on the Labor government to immediately produce and publish independent audits of Victoria Police's handling of family violence cases, and to commission genuinely independent audits where none exist. The party says a Royal Commission recommendation remains unfulfilled and that government promised at least two audits a year from 2020.
- Produce and publish any completed independent police family violence audits
- Commission genuinely independent audits where none have been completed
- Explain how the Royal Commission recommendation was signed off as implemented
Establish an Office of Community Safety & Crime Prevention
The Victorian Greens say they would establish a whole-of-government Office of Community Safety & Crime Prevention, modelled on a New York City office, to pool prevention and crisis outreach funding. They say it would fund 24/7 crisis outreach teams and prevention programs, and boost mental health, alcohol and other drug, and homelessness services. The page gives no start date.
- Establish a dedicated Office of Community Safety & Crime Prevention
- Fund 24/7 crisis outreach teams of health and social workers in key communities
- Invest in prevention programs using data from across government departments
- Provide additional funding for frontline mental health, alcohol and other drug, and homelessness services
- Double public housing, as part of wider inequality measures
End transfer of children into adult prisons
The Victorian Greens say they oppose placing children in the adult prison system and criticise the Labor Government for doing so, citing an Ombudsman report on a 16-year-old held at Melbourne Assessment Prison. The page does not set out a costed or dated alternative policy.
- Oppose putting children through the adult courts and prison system
Stricter gun laws and firearm buy-back in Victoria
The Victorian Greens say they will return to Parliament to urgently pass reforms to reduce firearms in Victoria. They call for strict limits on firearm numbers, bans on rapid-fire and high-powered weapons, and a buy-back of excess and high-risk guns, alongside implementing the extremism inquiry's recommendations.
- Strict limits on firearm numbers in Victoria
- Ban rapid-fire and high-powered weapons
- Time-limited gun licences with repeated character and family violence checks
- Mandatory reporting of lost or stolen guns
- Buy-back to remove excess and high-risk firearms
Liberal Party
First 100 days plan on crime, costs and government
The Liberal Party and Nationals say a Victorian government would, within its first 100 days, review Suburban Rail Loop contracts, release an honest budget update, and introduce public order and justice packages. The plan also says it would fill police vacancies and fund 1,500 additional officers, with 3,000 more police on the beat in total, and cap road tolls at $50 a week for two years from 1 July 2027.
- Commence immediate review of Suburban Rail Loop contracts and finance arrangements
- Deliver an honest budget update on Victoria's finances
- Introduce a public order package restoring move-on laws and exclusion orders
- Put 3,000 more police on the beat, including 1,500 additional officers
- Introduce one-strike bail rule for repeat offending on 25 serious offences
Reduce crime with more police, PSOs and tougher bail and sentencing
The Liberal Party says a Liberal and Nationals Government would recruit 3,000 more police, reopen more than 40 police stations, and return PSOs to all 119 stations where they were removed. It also proposes tougher bail and sentencing laws, $100 million for early intervention and rehabilitation, and Right to Ask, Right to Know laws for family violence. No start dates are given.
- Recruit 3,000 more police on the beat
- Reopen more than 40 police stations
- Return PSOs to all 119 train stations where removed
- Recruit 200 additional PSOs for shopping precinct strike teams
- Introduce one-strike bail rule for 25 listed offences
Reduce crime, lower costs and improve government, Victorian Liberal and Nationals plan
The Liberals and Nationals say their plan for the 2026 Victorian state election has three goals: reduce crime, lower costs and deliver a government that works. The plan includes 3,000 more police, reopening police stations, scrapping several state taxes and a budget return to surplus by 2032.
- Fill existing police vacancies and fund 1,500 more officers
- Reopen more than 40 police stations closed or with reduced hours under Labor
- Return PSOs to all 119 stations where they have been removed, with 200 more recruited
- Scrap the Emergency Services Tax
- Restore the $300,000 land tax-free threshold
Libertarian Party
Bail, sentencing, police and self-defence law changes in Victoria
The Libertarian Party of Victoria says it would deny bail to repeat violent offenders, fast-track serious cases, and fill over 1,000 police vacancies within two years. It also says it would legalise pepper spray and enact Castle Law for self-defence in the home.
- Remand repeat violent offenders with no bail exceptions
- Fast-track serious cases with fixed timelines
- Create a dedicated case officer for every serious crime victim
- Fill over 1,000 Victoria Police vacancies within two years
- Legalise pepper spray immediately
Expand self-defence protections for people in their homes
The Victorian Libertarian Party says it would legislate self-defence protections for people in their homes, based on UK 'Castle law'. It says this would cover homeowners, renters, their families and friends, and would only prohibit conduct that is 'grossly disproportionate'.
- Legislate Castle law-based self-defence protections for homes in Victoria
- Protect homeowners and renters, plus their family and friends, defending their home
- Prohibit only conduct that is 'grossly disproportionate' in home self-defence
Legalise pepper spray for self-defence in Victoria
The Victorian Libertarian Party says that in government it would legalise pepper spray and revise self-defence laws so the law stands with the victim. It also says it would review Victoria's self-defence legislation. No timeframe is given on the page.
- Legalise pepper spray
- Revise self-defence laws so the law stands with the victim
- Review Victoria's self-defence legislation
Animal Justice Party
Raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14
The Animal Justice Party says 10 is too young for a child to be treated as a criminal and that Australia should adopt the UN-suggested age of 14. It says this would keep many children out of the justice system and calls for therapeutic and restorative programs, especially First Nations-led ones, instead of court or detention.
- Raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years
- Provide therapeutic and restorative care options for children
- Prioritise First Nations designed and led programs
Remove gun access for animal control and recreational shooting
The Animal Justice Party says it would strengthen the 1996 National Firearms Agreement by removing access to guns for lethal control or recreational shooting of animals. It also says it would prohibit recreational shooting and hunting in National Parks and State Reserves, and add restrictions to prevent guns being used in violent crime and domestic violence.
- Remove access to guns for lethal control of animals
- Remove access to guns for recreational shooting of animals
- Prohibit recreational shooting and hunting in National Parks and State Reserves
- Maintain the NFA's gun laws and firearm import restrictions
- Impose further restrictions to prevent guns being used in violent crime and domestic violence
Family First
Support for lawful gun ownership and maintaining the National Firearms Agreement
Family First says it supports lawful and responsible shooting and hunting, backs law enforcement against illicit firearm access, and supports keeping the National Firearms Agreement. It opposes departures from the NFA, citing Western Australia's changes to gun laws made by the ALP.
- Maintain the current National Firearms Agreement
- Oppose departure from the National Firearms Agreement
- Firmly support law enforcement activities against illicit firearm access and trade
- Encourage all levels of government to engage shooting and hunting groups on firearm policy changes
Victorian Socialists
Reform justice, policing and prisons, reducing reliance on imprisonment
The Victorian Socialists say they would replace punitive justice with rehabilitative approaches, reduce reliance on prisons over time, and redirect police and prison funding to social services. The page lists bail, parole, police accountability and prison reforms, without a stated timeframe for most of them.
- Raise the age of criminal responsibility to 16
- End all mandatory sentencing provisions
- Presume bail for all offences, with narrow exceptions
- Reverse all Victoria Police funding increases from the last decade and redirect into social welfare
- Ban the building of new prisons and reallocate prison expansion budget to public housing
In their ads
Labor 8 promises
Police numbers
A re-elected Carroll Labor Government will deploy 1,500 more police.
Police recruitment
Recruit an extra 1,500 police officers and build a new Victoria Police training facility.
Police academy
The Carroll Labor Government will build a new police academy right here in Melbourne’s west, in Wyndham.
Protective services officers
We're hiring an extra 200 PSOs to back Victoria Police extending and expanding their special operation until the end of next year.
Cctv grants
We will also introduce a new grant program for local CCTV and security lighting.
Marine rescue
We will fund a new rescue vessel for Coast Watch Ocean Grove.
Fire services funding
A re-elected Carroll Labor Government will invest $30,000 to upgrade Hoppers Crossing CFA.
Police and pso numbers
There will be more PSO patrols here at Northland, and that they will now continue until the end of 2027.
Liberal 8 promises
Police numbers
We'll recruit an additional 3,000 police officers.
Police stations
Restoring Boroondara Police Station to a 24/7 operation.
Bail laws
Our Plan will introduce a one strike bail rule for 20 serious offences, including home invasion and carjacking.
Protective services officers
A Wilson Liberal government will recruit 200 additional PSOs.
Police station hours
Restoring Boroondara Police Station to a 24/7 operation.
Police station reopenings
Reopen the more than 40 police stations.
Sentencing
Our Plan will expand Adult Crime, Adult Time to 20 serious offences, including arson, home invasion and carjacking.
Sentencing for attacks on good samaritans
A Jess Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will introduce Aidan’s Law, requiring courts to specifically consider attacks on good samaritans when sentencing offenders.
Nationals 7 promises
Police numbers
We'll recruit 3,000 additional police officers.
Cfa shed
We will deliver a new CFA shed.
Bail laws
Introduce tough new Break Bail, Go To Jail laws.
Police stations
Restore Moe to a 24-hour station.
Protective services officers
Delivering PSOs here at Morwell and in Moe.
Youth crime programs
Fund Youthstart and Restart programs to stop youth crime in its tracks.
Youth sentencing
Introduce Adult Time For Adult Crime.
No crime and safety promises in ads from Greens or Minor parties or Independents yet. That's what they've advertised, not necessarily their policy.
Recent votes in parliament on crime and safety
What MPs actually voted for, from Hansard.
Sex work regulation: motions
Voting yes supported a motion noting that a child cannot consent to commercial sexual exploitation and calling on the government to amend legislation to describe children as victims, make consent irrelevant, and create an offence for in-person sexual services where a child is present.
Defeated 17 to 22
Control of Weapons Amendment (Police Search Powers) Bill 2026: introduction and first reading
Voting yes supported introducing the Control of Weapons Amendment (Police Search Powers) Bill 2026, which would amend the Control of Weapons Act 1990 to give police greater powers to search persons for weapons. The motion was defeated, so the bill was not introduced.
Defeated 29 to 51
Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Bill 2026: committee
Voting yes supported making an amendment to the Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Bill 2026 during committee stage.
Passed 21 to 11
Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Bill 2026: committee
Voting yes supported making the amendments to the Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Bill 2026 during the committee stage.
Passed 20 to 13
Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2026: committee
Voting yes supported agreeing to Mr Mulholland's amendment 4 to the Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2026 during committee, an amendment that tests his amendment 10.
Defeated 14 to 23
Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity) Bill 2026: council’s amendments
Voting yes supported the Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity) Bill 2026 having the Council's amendments agreed to, which adds those amendments to the bill.
Passed 72 to 2
Other topics
- Health
- Cost of living
- Housing
- Education
- Transport and infrastructure
- Economy and tax
- Energy
- All victorian election promises
Policy summaries are written by AI from each party's own page and checked against it; every commitment listed appears on the page. Ad quotes are taken from the ads' text and video by AI and grouped by subject; "See the ad" opens the original. How this works.