Blue Light discos are the latest victims of budget cuts to Victoria Police, with a number expected to close.
Victoria Police will pull staff from working at the drug- and alcohol-free events following a directive from Commander Sue Clark, revealed in a leaked email.
The decision pulls on-duty police from the state’s 41 alcohol-free discos to attend to frontline policing.
Blue Light Victoria chief executive Ivan Ray said some discos would disappear under the move.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said the decision was a blow for the area’s at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
“In less than 12 months, Denis Napthine has overseen the axing of the Victoria Police bands and withdrawn support from the award-winning crime prevention Newstart program, which assisted more than 2000 at-risk youth,” Ms Thomson said.
“At the same time we have had three consecutive years of crime rises under his government.”
Blue Light began in 1976 and more than six million children have since attended Blue Light discos. The program has expanded to New Zealand, Pacific nations and the UK.
Williamstown Junior Blue Light Disco last year celebrated its 25th birthday.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster confirmed the organisation would cease providing dedicated full-time staff and resources to Blue Light from the end of the month.
“It will continue to be up to local police to use their discretion in supporting programs, such as Blue Light, so that community engagement remains a priority, but it doesn’t impact on frontline operations,” she said.
“Victoria Police encourages Blue Light to continue as a community-led youth engagement program.”
