Chapter 28 : Cleaning Plan

The cost of building a state-of-the-art university and its subsequent maintenance is comparable to the cost of constructing a large number of primary schools across Australia.

This may seem surprising and absurd, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it. As the foundation of basic education, the cost of building a primary school is actually quite low, and even some high school graduates can become primary school teachers.

Under these circumstances, the expenses for the teachers needed to establish a university are reduced by more than half, and a primary school does not require scientific research equipment. All that's needed to get a simple primary school up and running are teaching materials, desks, and chairs.

"Minister Richard, I will allocate a total of five million pounds in funding to you and allow you to request an additional budget of one million pounds over the next three years. My requirement is that at least one hundred primary schools be established this year, and that the construction of universities shows results within two years. Can you do it?" Arthur looked at Minister Richard with a meaningful smile.

The difficulty of creating an educational institution and that of creating an industry are not comparable. To develop an industry, all that's needed is to comply with regulations, designate suitable industrial zones, and invest in production. In contrast, education requires investment in teachers, teaching materials, and planning that takes into account the origins of students and the needs of each city.

If schools are built without proper planning, money and effort will be wasted without achieving concrete results.

"No problem, Your Highness. I guarantee that we will see the results of basic education within a year and those of the university within two years," Minister Richard responded solemnly, standing up.

Arthur had given him a difficult task, but if he could complete it, his name would be etched in history. Both Minister Pierre and Minister Richard were members of Britain's political elite, at the peak of their careers in their forties and fifties.

They could not afford to fail. They would do whatever it took to ensure their success, even if it meant crossing mountains of swords and seas of fire.

"Very well," Arthur said with satisfaction, addressing the ministers. "The tasks of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industry over the next three years will be heavy, but if you can successfully accomplish them, you will receive great recognition. Australia is in its golden period of development and needs talents like you."

Ministers Pierre and Richard, filled with enthusiasm, committed themselves even more to fulfilling the task.

"Minister Thomas, what is the situation with the Police Department? After integrating the police stations of the six states, how many police officers does Australia currently have?" Arthur asked the Minister of Public Order, Thomas Cech.

After the creation of Australia, the police stations of the six states were unified under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security. However, because they previously operated independently, it will take time to properly manage the police forces.

"Your Highness, Australia currently has 41 urban police stations and six state police stations, totaling more than 600 police officers. However, neither the current number of police stations nor the number of officers can guarantee public safety in Australia. Moreover, the distribution is uneven: New South Wales has almost as many police stations as Western Australia and South Australia combined," Minister Cech reported with concern.

Arthur was stunned. He had not expected the security forces to be so weak. No wonder the Australian economy had not flourished during the colonial period.

"What is the crime rate? How many cases have occurred since the founding of the country?" Arthur asked seriously.

The weakness of the Ministry of Public Security endangered the stability of the country. Previously, state management was lax, and street riots and shootings were not uncommon. If the police could not act quickly, the population would lose confidence in the government. And once the people's trust is lost, it is difficult to regain.

Moreover, ensuring public safety was key to attracting immigrants. No one would want to move to a country where shootings were common. Without security, even the best economic opportunities would not be enough to attract new residents.

"Your Highness, due to the inefficiency of the police stations, we do not have an exact record of crime rates. However, according to my investigations, in New South Wales alone, there have been over a thousand crimes and at least fifty homicides since the founding of Australia," Thomas said, lowering his head slightly in shame.

"Don't worry, Minister Thomas. It's not your fault that the previous records are incomplete," Arthur consoled him.

But then his tone grew more severe.

"I expect the current chaos to be resolved within a year. The crime rate must be significantly reduced, and homicides must be eradicated. Any serious case must be dealt with swiftly and justly, and the families of victims must receive adequate compensation," Arthur ordered.

He looked at his cabinet with determination.

"Additionally, I want every city to have police stations, even if they are small, with just two or three officers. Australia must be a prosperous and safe home, not a haven for criminals," Arthur said, his expression hardening.

"But this does not mean the Ministry of Public Security should lower its standards. Every new police officer must undergo a strict verification and training process before assuming their duties. And in the meantime, we cannot sit idly by while crime worsens. An investigation must begin immediately. Anyone with a history of gang involvement will be a priority target. If evidence of criminal activity is found, we will proceed with their immediate arrest. And if the number of police officers is insufficient, I will send a thousand soldiers to assist you."

Arthur's decree was clear: Australia's criminal gangs were sentenced to death.

No matter how powerful they believed themselves to be, no criminal organization could stand against the power of a state. Arthur's judgment was final. Everyone in the room understood the fate that awaited those who defied his authority.

Australia's gangs were doomed. Faced with a regular army of a thousand soldiers, not even all of them combined would stand a chance of resistance.

. . .

Dear readers,

I deeply appreciate your support on this journey. If you enjoy my translations and the stories I share, I warmly invite you to support my work through Patreon and Ko-fi. Your contribution allows me to continue creating, working, and publishing new chapters. I hope to count on your valuable support to keep going!

ko-fi.com/nasu954

patreon.com/Nasu954