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Peter Dutton accuses Daniel Andrews of causing Victoria’s gang crime problem

HOME Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has slammed Daniel Andrews for his offer to shout him dinner, accusing the Victorian Premier of making light of gang-related violence.

Dutton blames Andrews for Victoria gang crime

HOME Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has slammed Daniel Andrews for his comments on gang-related crime, accusing the Victorian Premier of dismissing the concerns of victims.

The latest row over gang violence erupted earlier when Mr Andrews invited the minister to dinner in response to his comments that Melburnians were too scared to eat out at night due to the rise in violent crime.

“I want Daniel Andrews to go out to dinner with one of the families who suffered at the hands of these violent criminals,” the Home Affairs Minister told Sky News.

Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is making light of the concerns of victims.
Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is making light of the concerns of victims.

Mr Dutton said Mr Andrews had “created the problem” and needed to fix it up.

The violence has included riots, home invasions, armed robberies, assaults and attacks on police.

“I’m very concerned about the people who have been the victims of these cirnminal gangs and

I’m very concerned that there will be further people who will suffer at the hands of these gangs unless Mr Andrews does something.”

Mr Dutton said “stunts” and “distractions” didn’t detract from the fact that gang violence was a serious problem for Victorians.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media during a visit to a railway level crossing removal site in Murrumbeena on Thursday.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media during a visit to a railway level crossing removal site in Murrumbeena on Thursday.

Returning to work on Thursday, Mr Andrews denied there was a gang crisis but said there had been debate over what to name the recent activity and he would continue to view the issue as gang-related.

The Home Affairs Minister told Sky News Mr Andrews had tied the police and the court system “in knots” due to “political correctness”.

“The fact is that Mr Andrews, as the Premier of Victoria, as his first responsibility, he has to keep the people of Victoria safe.”

Mr Dutton said there was a problem with some members of the judiciary appointed by Mr Andrews.

“He’s created that problem because he’s appointed magistrates and judges, in some cases, that are allowing bail and these people to go back out and commit crimes again a couple of hours after they’ve been arrested.”

African youths walking around Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-east. Picture : Ian Currie
African youths walking around Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-east. Picture : Ian Currie

Public debate has exploded after African youths brawled with backpackers and robbed three Sri Lankans at St Kilda in December.

A week later teens ran riot and trashed a Werribee Airbnb property. On Boxing Day, an officer was assaulted at Highpoint shopping centre, teens were mugged and a woman was held hostage during a home invasion.

Four teenagers were arrested after the wild Werribee party-turned-riot and one 16-year-old was charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage. Police continue to investigate the other crimes.

African youths outside The Ecoville Community Park in Tarneit, in Melbourne’s west.
African youths outside The Ecoville Community Park in Tarneit, in Melbourne’s west.

Mr Andrews said he backed Victoria Police’s efforts to tackle the problem, including a new community task force with African-Australians. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has criticised Mr Andrews for his handling of youth gangs.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/peter-dutton-accuses-daniel-andrew-of-causing-gang-crime-problem/news-story/baa05af933e05437509fcabbd4cd306c