Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons has today welcomed funding announced by the State Liberal-National Government that will help tackle crime on the Thornlie/Armadale Train Line.

$150,000 has been provided for a new South East Train Line Patrol to be operated by the Nyoongar Patrol System and $199,836 has been allocated to The Trustee of Save the Children Australia Fund to address the presentation of vulnerable young people aged 8-15 in Northbridge and the suburbs serviced by the Perth-Armadale train line.

Both projects have been funded under the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program and because of reforms made to the program under the Liberal-National Government, the recipient organisations will be contributing additional funds (at least 50% of the total project) in cash or in-kind services.

Mr Irons, who has been campaigning for measures to address crime on the Thornlie/Armadale line, said that whilst the CCTV network in Perth was extensive, people wanted to see security and foot patrols on the ground.

“The Thornlie-Armadale Train line is consistently reported to be the most dangerous line in Perth” he said.

“I have distributed surveys to commuters at stations and to adjacent households on this issue and the vast majority support better patrolling and guarding of stations.  I have presented the views of the community to the Police, Transperth and the Minister for Transport.

“This funding is a step in the right direction and will help address the problem of gangs of youths hanging around stations and causing trouble.  People have a right to feel safe near our train stations and I will continue my campaign for permanent guards at stops on this line”.

Mr Irons added that it was appropriate the program was funded by the criminal money and property seized by the police and the Director of Criminal Prosecutions.