Published November 2025
Three innocent South Australians are recovering from terrifying knife attacks at shopping centres listed as declared precincts, showing more needs to be done to enforce these safety measures. The two stabbing incidents in two days at Elizabeth City Centre and Munno Para Shopping Centre, have left three people injured and countless innocent shoppers terrified by what they witnessed. Shadow Minister for Police, Jack Batty, said there is no use having these shopping centres as declared precincts, if there aren’t enough police to enforce them. “Once again, we see Labor making a big song and dance announcement but, in reality, the shopping centre declared precincts will only work if we have the resources to police them,” Mr Batty said. “Criminals don’t care about PR and paperwork, if they are intent on taking a knife to a shopping centre, only a properly resourced police force and real consequences can stop them. “We need is more police on the beat and stronger laws to keep criminals behind bars.” In addition to the shopping centre attacks, a gang of youths allegedly attacked another innocent bystander at Prospect on Saturday night. One of those children was just 11 years old. “What is most shocking is that this alleged crime was committed while at least one of these youths was on bail, yet they have been let loose once again to continue to offend,” Mr Batty said. “How many more innocent South Australians will be harmed because of Labor’s soft on crime stance?” The Opposition attempted to strengthen Labor’s Recidivist Young Offenders Bill to introduce a tough new one strike, break bail, face jail rule, but Labor voted it down. “That’s why we’ll be taking our break bail, face jail one strike rule to next year’s election,” Mr Batty concluded. The Liberal Party have announced several policies to protect our community, this includes: Break bail, face jail – the one strike rule legislation, to ensure serious offenders who break their bail won’t simply be released on bail again and again. The new laws will create a presumption against bail if an applicant is taken into custody in relation to a serious offence if the applicant is already on bail for a serious offence. Establish a $40 million Breaking the Cycle Fund to focus on early intervention and rehabilitation programs for high-risk youths We will also introduce a suite of incentives to attract and retain police officers to ensure we have the resources to fight crime. This includes: A $20,000 recruitment bonus for experienced police officers from interstate and international jurisdictions to move to South Australia. A $20,000 incentive to attract police who have left the service in the last four years under Labor’s weak laws. Up to $20,000 off university HELP debts for new recruits. A new Police Retention Bonus to reward our long-serving officers - up to $20,000 for 20 years’ service. A $560,000 mental health support framework for South Australia Police. Tough new laws to protect our police from assaults. Media Contact: Hayley McDonald 0408 100 373 |
