AVP welcomes Lay appointment

Anti-Violence Project (AVP) Victoria has welcomed the appointment of Victoria Police’s new Chief Commissioner Ken Lay.

AVP Greg Adkins convenor Greg Adkins told the Star Observer past dealings with the new top cop have been positive.

“When we’ve met with him, we’ve always had a productive relationship,” Adkins said.

“He’s been around, and part of, the really important discussions that have taken place around prejudice crime.

“He’s aware of the sentencing provision changes, he’s certainly well aware of gay and lesbian policing, so I think it’ll be a good thing.”

Adkins said the anti-homophobia group has written to Lay to request a meeting about the proposed merger of the Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit into a more general community policing unit.

“[Former Chief Commissioner Simon] Overland was quite open to having feedback to make sure it didn’t diminish our communities,” he said.
“So we’re seeking a meeting to seek the same assurances.

“I don’t expect to see big changes, but I think there’s an opportunity for a fine tuning of things.”