By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY councillor Rafal Kaplon has hit out at the state’s police minister after he “passed the buck” when asked whether the Endeavour Hills Police Station could be upgraded to a 24 hour manned facility.
When discussing with the News last week Casey Council’s push to have the station manned 24 hours a day, Minister Wade Noonan said the decision lay ultimately with the police Commissioner.
“It’s not for politicians to determine when stations are opening or closing,” he said.
“When these matters are raised with the local member or me, the minister, we refer them to the Chief Commissioner.”
But at a council meeting on Tuesday Cr Kaplon said he disagreed with Mr Noonan’s assessment.
The City of Casey had resolved to look into the feasibility of having the Endeavour Hills Police Station manned 24 hours day after Cr Kaplon raised the issue in April.
“Unfortunately on his recent visit to Casey the Minister for Police, the Hon Wade Noonan, didn’t acknowledge this need in his exclusive interview with the Journal News, instead the Minister passed the buck to the Chief Commissioner,” he said.
“I wholeheartedly disagree with the minister’s last statement as it is the politicians that control the funds and resources that are allocated throughout Victoria.
“In this instance it has always been the community’s need and expectation that is being pushed for by council, so I hope the minister speaks to the local members – State and Federal – and reconsiders his decision.”
