Safer Streets and Public Spaces

People should be able to live, work, shop and travel around Footscray without feeling unsafe.

Crime and persistent antisocial behaviour can affect residents, traders, workers and visitors. Even when incidents do not happen directly to someone, repeated problems in public places can undermine confidence in the whole neighbourhood.

Footscray needs practical action, clear responsibility and follow-through — not just announcements after something goes wrong.

My priorities

1. Push for effective responses to repeat offending

I will raise concerns about repeat offending, violence, threats, theft and persistent antisocial behaviour with Victoria Police and the responsible ministers.

I will advocate for evidence-based enforcement and appropriate consequences for offending, while recognising that police powers and criminal justice decisions must operate within the law and include proper safeguards.

2. Demand attention to local problem areas

Where residents and traders identify recurring safety problems, I will seek information from the responsible authorities about what is being done, what further action is possible and how progress will be assessed.

3. Advocate for safer public spaces

I will push for practical improvements where evidence and local feedback identify a need. These may include better lighting, improved visibility, maintenance and safer access around streets, transport connections, shopping areas and public spaces.

4. Improve coordination and follow-up

Community safety can involve police, councils, transport authorities, service providers and state government agencies. I will raise concerns with the relevant bodies and press for clear responsibility rather than allowing issues to fall between agencies.

5. Report progress publicly

Residents should know which issues have been raised, which authorities have responded and what remains unresolved. I will provide public updates on significant safety issues I pursue.

What I can realistically do as an MP

An MP does not directly command local police, determine court outcomes or control every council decision. Those responsibilities sit with different authorities.

My role would be to scrutinise government performance, raise community concerns, advocate for effective policies and funding, seek answers from the responsible decision-makers and report back to residents.

I will not promise that crime will disappear. I will commit to pursuing practical action and holding the responsible authorities to account.

How residents can hold me accountable

If elected, I will work to publish regular updates covering:

• Significant local safety issues raised with authorities.
• Responses received and actions proposed.
• Requests for improvements to identified problem locations.
• Outstanding issues that still require attention.

My commitment: Footscray’s safety deserves sustained attention, practical action and honest reporting — not just election promises.

Hai Dinh
Independent Candidate for Footscray
Safety. Opportunity. Community.