Police bear their arms
FELINE GOOD FOR SATURDAY Locals among first to train on new rifles
GEELONG police officers will be among the first members qualified to use the force’s new “state-of-the-art” semi-automatic rifles.
Officers have begun training with the weapons, 300 of which cost Victoria Police more than $1.1m.
“The new semi-automatic rifles are being supplied by Huntsman Aus and will expand Victoria Police’s ongoing efforts to … respond to mass casualty events, active armed offender incidents, terrorist attacks and violent offending more broadly,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
“The firearms have been supplied to us in a package which includes optical sighting system, tactical light and sling.
“The semi-automatic rifles are currently in the process of being rolled out, with police officers undertaking skills and scenario-based firearms training which will be completed by the end of 2021.”
The rifles were bought after the state government pledged $25m to Victoria Police in 2018-19.
The funding will pay for 300 rifles, gun ancillaries, storage, and station and vehicle upgrades, training and staffing costs to ensure the rifles can be used safely.
More than 650 police offi
LOVELY Banks cat breeder Pauline Fehling would usually be busy preparing for an annual cat show at the Geelong showgrounds.
But while a number of cat cers from the public order response team will also be trained to use the weapons.
Police revealed the price tag after parliamentary questions to Police Minister Lisa Neville from Western Victoria Liberal MP Beverley McArthur on June 17.
“Victorian taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent and when the numbers don’t stack up, the shows have been called off due to coronavirus this year, Mrs Fehling, a member of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Victoria, can still celebrate International
Cat Day at home with her nine felines on Saturday. government needs to explain them,” Ms McArthur said.
A response was overdue by 20 days when Ms McArthur spoke out.
“The evasion of addressing this matter only raises further suspicion over the potential misuse of funds by the minister. If she’s played by the book, then why hide from scrutiny?” she said.
Ms Neville said the long
She said her cats had “greatly” helped getting through lockdown.
“They keep you busy, they’re up for cuddles all the time, they’re just great companions,” Mrs Fehling said. arm rifles were “state-of-theart.”
“Victoria Police and the Police Association identified how critical this equipment — as well as the necessary training and appropriate storage for the rifles — was to their work ensuring community and police safety,” Ms Neville said.
“Once again, the member for the Western Victoria Region is attacking our police and trying to undermine the rollout of the critical infrastructure they asked for. I again call on her to apologise.”