National disclosure scheme for child safety, expanded drug enforcement and new laws against organised crime form the core of the Coalition’s law and order strategy. The package includes fresh powers for law enforcement and a federal taskforce on antisemitism.
The Coalition has announced a $750 million strategy to combat crime nationwide if elected on 3 May. Spearheaded by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the plan promises tougher enforcement, border protection upgrades and new legislation targeting criminal syndicates.
Framing the initiative as a direct response to what he called “weak leadership” under Labor, Dutton pledged significant investment in police, intelligence services and community safety. The proposal, Operation Safer Communities, targets drug trafficking, child exploitation and digital content linked to crime.
Major Funding for Drug Enforcement and Criminal Asset Recovery
According to the policy outline, $355 million would be directed to national law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against illicit drug distribution. This includes modernising border screening systems to prevent drug importation and enhancing collaboration across state and territory police forces by standardising drug-related laws.
The Coalition intends to strengthen Australia’s proceeds of crime and unexplained wealth laws to make it easier for authorities to seize assets linked to organised criminal operations. Dutton said the plan was designed to “stand up to the outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime syndicates” that he claimed are damaging Australian communities.
A new Australian Federal Police-led taskforce would be established to address antisemitic incidents across the country. Simultaneously, funding for the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation would be doubled, boosting resources for investigations into child protection breaches and related offences.
Community Safety Schemes and Online Content Restrictions
A key feature of the proposal is a pilot national child safety disclosure scheme that would allow parents to access information about individuals in their neighbourhoods with a history of serious offences against children. According to the Coalition, this initiative aims to empower families with greater transparency and security in their local communities.
The plan also outlines legislation to restrict social media use by individuals convicted of promoting criminal behaviour, imposing a two-year ban to limit the influence of crime-glorifying content online.
To further improve public safety, Crime Stoppers would receive $7.5 million in funding over three years, allowing the organisation to expand its outreach and anonymous reporting services.
Law enforcement agencies would also receive enhanced capabilities to identify and disrupt the distribution of drink-spiking substances, with a focus on prevention and early detection at points of entry.
The Coalition’s platform presents a multifaceted approach to public safety, combining legal reform, technological investment and grassroots-level support mechanisms in an effort to reduce harm and rebuild trust in law enforcement.
