The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, is supporting calls for a full enquiry into the letting of the contract for Victoria Police safety vests.

Speaking in the Victorian Parliament this week, Mr Jasper said Wangaratta-based Bruck Textiles together with Melbourne’s Hellweg International, who had tendered unsuccessfully for the police vest contract, considered the debriefing following the letting of the contract indicated their tender was not given adequate consideration.

The tender process stretched over almost two years, with tenderers being required to supply their product for full testing, costing them up to $50,000, he said.

The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, has congratulated the Wangaratta Stationeers and coordinator David Maroney for their activities in beautifying the Wangaratta railway station over the past 10 years.

Mr Maroney has dedicated himself to the beautification of the station area, together with a small band of volunteers, resulting in the excellent presentation of the station for people utilising rail services, Mr Jasper said

I have made representations on behalf of the Stationeers to assist in achieving small V-Line grants to assist with beautification works over a number of years, he said.

The Victorian Coalition policy for a massive increase in police numbers across Victoria will provide further significant support for policing across Murray Valley electorate, The Nationals Local Member, Ken Jasper, said today.

Mr Jasper was commenting on today’s announcement by Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Leader of The Nationals, Peter Ryan, that the Victorian Coalition is proposing a total $400 million be provided over the four year life of the next Parliament to increase police numbers by 1600.

Increases in a range of criminal activities demonstrate the need for an increased police presence in areas such as Wangaratta’s 24 hour police station to support law and order in the community, and for other matters of concern requiring additional police support, he said.

The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, is calling for additional protective fencing on the southern side of the Rowan Street railway underpass and along both sides of Templeton Street abutting the North East rail line to improve safety in the area for pedestrians.

Mr Jasper made the call following representations from Wangaratta Stationeers coordinator for the past ten years, David Maroney, drawing attention to a number of safety issues, despite the provision of underpasses for pedestrians.

I undertook an inspection of the area with Mr Maroney today which highlighted that whilst some additional safety fencing has been constructed, areas of easy access remain, allowing people to walk across the line and this is a huge safety hazard, he said.