An independent MLC has called for police officers to be stationed permanently at a Hobart shopping centre after a string of reported violent incidents in the area in recent days.
Bec Thomas said she would write to Police Minister Felix Ellis demanding assurances that increased patrols across the Glenorchy, Moonah and Claremont shopping precincts in Hobart’s northern suburbs were continuing.
Thomas also called on the state government to consider a second tier of policing – police public safety officers – modelled on a scheme recently introduced in the Northern Territory.
“A greater uniformed presence in public places and on public transport can play an important role in preventing violence and helping to de-escalate incidents before they impact the broader community,” she said.
The push comes after police charged three people over an assault at Glenorchy’s Northgate shopping centre on March 7.
Two men aged 20 and a 16-year-old youth were each charged with criminal code assault after a disturbance spilled from a nearby residence into the centre.
A 25-year-old man was treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital for injuries not believed to be serious.
It also follows the alleged armed robbery of a Moonah business on Thursday night, during which an employee was reportedly struck over the head with a glass bottle.
Thomas acknowledged the situation had improved since she called for urgent action in April last year, crediting Glenorchy police for their work.
Tasmania Police launched Taskforce Respect in May 2025, with data showing a 16% fall in total offences in the Glenorchy division over 12 months.
But Thomas said every “isolated incident” – as is often referred to by police – still damaged the community’s reputation and economy.
“No level of violence is acceptable. Full stop,” she said.
“The fear and vicarious trauma experienced by innocent people who directly experience or witness this kind of behaviour is very real and has lasting effects.”
Thomas said families, elderly residents and retail workers deserved to feel safe.
“It is time the government demonstrated – through meaningful action – that violence in our community will not be tolerated,” she said.
She flagged she would continue pushing for a review of youth justice sentencing, arguing recidivism rates showed the current system was failing.
“Our community deserves to feel safe – whether they are working, shopping, catching the bus or simply going about their daily lives,” she said.
“Enough is enough.“
