Recruitment plan to target overseas police officers

Addressing community concerns about rising crime rates will form a key part of the election promise of the Victorian opposition, which has announced plans to hire 3000 extra police officers.

Relocation grants and fast-track enforcement will be used to persuade police officers from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand to migrate to the state.

One in five Victorians feel unsafe where they live, with a third feeling less safe than they did 12 months ago, according to the latest RACV Home Safety Pulse report.

The survey, which asked more than 5,000 Victorians about their perceptions of safety at home and in the community, found 17 per cent felt somewhat or completely unsafe at home.

The state’s latest crime statistics showed crimes rising 4.2 percent in 2025.

Victorians are preparing to go to the polls in November, with crime expected to be a key election issue.

State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson announced the Liberals will recruit a further 3000 Victoria Police officers to help fill 1500 existing vacancies and reopen 40 stations that are closed or operating on reduced hours.

It is reported that the election promise will cost 1.5 billion dollars.

Under a similar recruitment plan in Western Australia, half of the recruits will be experienced civil servants from overseas, including the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.

A relocation allowance of $5,000 per successful applicant will be supported by a recruitment campaign.

Recruitment teams will also be formed to speed up application checks.

“Crime is at an all-time high, dozens of police stations are closed or operating on reduced hours and too many Victorians are unable to get a timely response from police in their time of need,” Ms Wilson said.

“Our plan will get more police involved, reopen closed police stations and restore community safety across Victoria.”