Members for Brindabella, Mr Mark Parton and Ms Deborah Morris, will host a community forum in response to a deeply concerning surge in violent incidents across the Tuggeranong Valley.
Recent events include an alleged knife attack at Lanyon High School, coordinated violence at an OzTag game in Calwell, and a stabbing in the car park of Lake Tuggeranong College. Local reporting has described a community living in fear, with schools increasing security and locking gates during school hours.
These incidents reflect a growing sense of unease among families, students, businesses and sporting clubs.
A Canberra Liberals led Government has already committed to practical measures to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, including a Safer Summer pilot giving ACT Policing additional wanding powers in Civic, Braddon and other key entertainment precincts; the recriminalisation of methamphetamine possession and use, alongside stronger pathways into treatment; and dedicated graffiti blitz teams to restore pride, cleanliness and safety in Civic and other town centres.
“Anti-social behaviour has become far too common in parts of our city. That is not the standard Canberrans expect, and it is not the standard we will accept,” Mr Parton said.
Ms Morris said the forum would give residents the chance to share their experiences and discuss solutions. “We want to hear directly from the community so we can work together on better outcomes.”
The Tuggeranong Community Safety Forum will be held at Erindale Vikings, Monday 9 November from 6.30pm.
To register, please email parton@parliament.act.gov.au or register on the night.