Opposition vows 70 armed PSOs for seven Victorian hospitals in two-year trial

Ahead of the November 28 state election, the Liberal-National opposition pledged to deploy 70 Protective Services Officers to seven large Victorian hospitals for a two-year pilot. The officers, already used at train stations and government buildings, would work around the clock, responding to serious incidents, handling prisoner transport and escorting staff to vehicles. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson argued the scheme would provide visible deterrence and allow police to concentrate on other duties, calling it a non-radical security measure.

Parliamentary data from the previous financial year recorded close to 24,000 violent events across public health facilities. The incumbent government, through Minister for Medical Research Anthony Carbines, dismissed the proposal as an over-emphasis on law and order rather than investment in health workers. The opposition also promised to hire an additional 200 PSOs for city train stations if elected.