- Published:
- Wednesday 19 April 2017
One of the nation’s most experienced and respected police officers will report on the implementation of the Community Safety Statement reforms as the Andrews Labor Government delivers record investment to drive down crime across Victoria.
Former Victoria Police homicide squad detective and Secretary of the Police Association Ron Iddles OAM APM will come out of retirement to become the inaugural Community Safety Trustee.
Mr Iddles will be an independent voice for the community as he advises on the government’s delivery of initiatives and reforms funded as part of the Labor Government’s $2 billion Community Safety Statement.
The Community Safety Statement focuses on five priorities: reducing harm, increasing connection to the community, putting victims first, holding offenders to account, and improving Victoria Police skills, culture and technology.
The $2 billion package will fund the recruitment of 3,135 new frontline police officers in the next five years, on top of normal attrition recruiting. This will stop the bust and boom recruitment cycle that has plagued our state for too long.
This is the largest investment in frontline policing in Victorian history and will give Victoria Police the resources, powers and tools it needs to fight crime and make our state safer.
As trustee, Mr Iddles will provide expert advice to the government about community safety and the delivery of key parts of the government’s reforms and record investment.
Mr Iddles will publicly report back to the Minister for Police and the community twice a year about the progress of the initiatives and reforms.
Mr Iddles served as a police officer for more than 40 years and retired from The Police Association earlier this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“Ron Iddles is an outstanding Victorian who has the leadership and insight – developed over decades in the police force – to ensure that every idea and opportunity is seized to make our state safer.”
“The Community Safety Statement and our $2 billion investment is designed to drive down crime across the state and Ron’s expertise will help us do just that.”
Quotes attributable to Community Safety Trustee Ron Iddles
“Since retirement I’ve had several offers of employment. This is the only one that has appealed to me. It enables me to contribute to the community and to build on the work that I started at The Police Association.”
“This role will make sure the government delivers on all elements of the Community Safety Statement which will ensure a safe and just community for all Victorians.”