Victorian Liberal leader Brad Battin slaps down Nick Reece CBD security guard plan

Opposition leader Brad Battin has openly slammed Nick Reece’s plan to have security guards patrol Melbourne’s CBD, saying the suggestion misses the point.

Jordan McCarthy

@JordoMc85

less than 2 min read

May 9, 2025 - 12:58PM

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Opposition leader Brad Battin has openly slammed a plan by Nick Reece to have security guards patrol the CBD at an event hosted by the Lord Mayor himself.

Speaking at the M2050 Summit as Mr Reece watched on from a table they were sharing, Mr Battin said he was against the idea of security guards and more in favour of an increased police presence.

“I disagree with the process at the moment, and I think we need to change it moving forward, of having security guards put on the streets from the Melbourne City Council,” Mr Battin said at the event on Friday.

“I think we need to bring pressure back on to keep our streets safe. Bring back move on laws and ensure that we have the police resources needed.

“So that you can operate your businesses, and you can walk the streets and people from outside of Melbourne can come in here knowing that they’re going to be safe.”

Brad Battin (left) and Nick Reece (right) shared a table at the M2050 Summit. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

A number of high-end fashion stores have been targeted in recent weeks. Picture: Emma Sudano

Also speaking at the event, Premier Jacinta Allan said she was willing to work with the Melbourne Mayor on any idea that would help protect the public.

“The Lord Mayor and I share a passion for this city and this state and part of that is to understand the needs to support our community to feel safe and be safe,” she said.

“The Lord Mayor and I had a conversation during the week about the consideration of the council to install more security cameras across the city.

“So, we will work with the Lord Mayor on initiatives that make the city safer. Including the role of the state government, particularly through Victoria Police, but also continuing to support the initiatives that are led by the City of Melbourne.”