$13 million wasted on bins that won’t solve crime

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has hit out at the Allan Labor Government over revelations that its new machete amnesty bins and awareness campaign will cost taxpayers a staggering $13 million.

Running from September 1 to November 30, with 45 bins rolled out across the state, including one at Wangaratta Police Station, the cost works out to just under $290,000 per bin, each smaller than a charity clothing donation box.

Mr McCurdy said the plan is another example of Labor’s poor financial judgment.

“Spending nearly $13 million on bins that aren’t going to make anyone safer is outrageous,” Mr McCurdy said.

“No criminal is going to stroll into a CCTV-monitored police station to hand over a weapon they use for intimidation. It’s common sense, but clearly this government has none.”

He also slammed the policy for penalising law-abiding Victorians who use machetes responsibly.

“Families camping in the bush, farmers clearing scrub, or locals using one for household work are now forced to apply for a permit just to do what they’ve always done safely,” he said.

“Only people with an ABN or employer verification can get approval. Ordinary households? Forget it. And somehow Labor thinks criminals will hand theirs in, it’s absurd.”

Mr McCurdy said the policy is completely misplaced.

“Time and again, Labor proves it can’t manage money, can’t deliver sensible policy, and can’t keep Victorians safe.”