As crime concerns rise across the Mornington Peninsula, Federal MP Zoe McKenzie and her state counterparts are actively engaging with the community, listening to their frustrations, and pushing for immediate action. Meanwhile, State MP Paul Mercurio has faced growing criticism for his lack of visibility on the issue, with many residents questioning his leadership and commitment to real solutions.
Liberal’s Step Up While Residents Demand Answers
Crime has been a dominant issue this summer, with reports of youth crime, home invasions, car thefts, and violent incidents shaking local communities. Over the weekend, the Mornington Peninsula saw the kidnapping of a ride-share driver in Mornington and a violent assault where the victim was doused in a flammable liquid and chased with an ignitor in Hastings. McKenzie, alongside Chris Crewther MP (Mornington) and Sam Groth MP (Nepean), has pushed for an earlier community crime forum—usually held mid-year—to be brought forward to 6 March in Frankston. Recognising the urgency, she has also announced a separate community safety forum with Jason Wood, the Shadow Minister for Community Safety, and invited locals to register their interest to participate.
Mercurio: Missing in Action?
In contrast, Paul Mercurio’s response has been notably subdued. When local activist Rowan May, who organised a protest outside his office in Feb, met with him to discuss youth crime, police resourcing, and safety measures, Mercurio’s answers were underwhelming. He said he speaks with Victoria Police daily but failed to provide any concrete plans for change. He dismissed calls for Hastings Police Station to be staffed 24/7, citing officer shortages, and downplayed the possibility of installing CCTV in known trouble spots, claiming police don’t have the personnel to monitor them.
Frustrated by Mercurio’s lack of initiative, May has taken matters into his own hands, launching a petition calling for a ban on imitation firearms and toy guns, requiring supermarkets to lock away knives, and enforcing harsher penalties for youth offenders to deter repeat crime.
Despite mounting public pressure, Mercurio has largely stayed on the defensive.
As May put it,
“Paul was extremely uncomfortable and appeared to be very nervous but at least he had the courage to face the questions.”
Yet, for many residents, courage alone isn’t enough—they want action.
The Community Pushes for Action
With McKenzie stepping up while Mercurio remains on the back foot, the pressure is now on state officials to listen and act. The upcoming Crime Forum on 6 March will give residents a much-needed opportunity to voice their concerns directly to law enforcement and policymakers.
- Crime Forum Details:
- Chisholm Institute, Frankston
- 6 March, 5:15 PM
- Register via email: [email protected]
For updates on McKenzie’s separate Community Safety Forum with Jason Wood, visit her website.
Will Mercurio Step Up or Stay on the Sidelines?
As community frustration grows, the divide between proactive leadership and passive deflection is becoming increasingly clear. McKenzie is engaging, pushing for solutions, and giving the public a voice. Meanwhile, Mercurio has yet to prove he’s willing to step up and take real action. With the community watching closely, the question remains: Will he lead, or will he continue to dodge responsibility?
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