Sweep Plan

Constructing an advanced university, along with its subsequent expenses, would cost about as much as building a large number of elementary schools throughout Australia.

It sounded surprising and absurd, but when one thought about it carefully, it was actually quite reasonable.

As the starting point of basic education, elementary schools were actually very inexpensive to build. Even some middle-school graduates could become elementary-school teachers.

Under such circumstances, the cost of the teachers needed to build a university had already been reduced by more than half without anyone noticing. Elementary schools also needed no research equipment whatsoever. They only needed textbooks, desks, and chairs before a crude elementary school could begin operating.

"Minister Richard, I'm giving you a total of five million pounds in funding, and I'm allowing you to apply for an additional budget of one million pounds within the next three years. My requirement is that at least one hundred elementary schools be established by the end of this year, and that there be results in the construction of the university within two years. Can you do it?" Arthur looked at Minister Richard and asked with a faintly meaningful smile.

Establishing education and developing industry were not equally difficult. Developing industry only required following the rules: designate suitable industrial zones and invest in equipment for production.

But developing education required not only considering teachers, textbooks, and the reasonable allocation of supplies, but also the student populations and school demands of each city.

If schools were established blindly, it might not only waste a great deal of money, but also accomplish nothing, leaving all the effort in vain.

"No problem, Your Highness! I guarantee that we'll see results in basic education within a year, and results from the university within two years." Minister Richard rose to his feet and spoke with utmost solemnity.

Arthur had handed him a rather difficult task, but if he could complete it, he would also earn tremendous merit.

Whether Minister Pierre or Minister Richard, both were political elites born in the United Kingdom, now in the golden age for politicians in their forties or fifties.

They were unwilling to let their political careers end just like this. They would fight for a chance even if it meant crossing a mountain of blades or wading through a sea of fire, let alone for a merely somewhat difficult task.

"Very good." Arthur nodded in satisfaction, then said to Minister Richard and Minister Pierre, "The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industry both have heavy responsibilities over these three years, but if you can complete them smoothly, you'll both earn tremendous merit. Australia is currently in the most important golden period of development, and this is precisely when we need talented people like you."

Hearing Arthur say this, Minister Pierre and Minister Richard were delighted. They were even more determined in their hearts to complete the tasks of these three years properly.

"Minister Thomas, how is the Ministry of Public Security doing? After integrating the police departments of the six states, how many police officers does Australia have now?" Arthur turned to Minister Thomas Czech of the Ministry of Public Security and asked.

After Australia was established, the police departments of the original six states were naturally integrated as well, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security.

However, because the police departments of the various states had previously operated independently, it would also take some time to manage these police forces properly.

"Your Highness, Australia currently has forty-one city police departments and six state police departments, with a total of more than six hundred police officers. However, neither the current number of police departments nor the number of police officers can meet the needs of maintaining public order in Australia. Moreover, the police departments are distributed very unevenly. The number of police departments in New South Wales is already close to the combined number in Western Australia and South Australia." Minister Thomas Czech rose to his feet and reported honestly.

Arthur clicked his tongue. He had not expected Australia's public-security forces to be so weak. No wonder Australia's economy had failed to develop properly during the colonial period.

"What is our country's crime rate? Since the country was established, how many cases have occurred in total?" Arthur asked solemnly.

The weakness of the Ministry of Public Security's forces also meant that the order of Australian society was unstable.

In addition, the various states had previously been managed very laxly. Fistfights and even gunfights in the streets were far from rare.

Once a serious case of this kind occurred, if the police department could not handle it in time, people could easily become somewhat disappointed in the government.

Once too many such incidents piled up, even if they could all be resolved one by one in the future, the prestige the government lost could never be restored.

Therefore, the issue of public security also needed to be resolved urgently. This would not only improve Australia's security situation, but also indirectly increase its appeal to immigrants.

After all, no one wanted to immigrate to a country where gunfights occurred frequently. When their personal safety was not guaranteed, no matter how many attractions the country possessed, people would hesitate or even give up.

"Your Highness, because the police departments are currently inefficient, the crime rate cannot be properly calculated. But according to my investigation, in New South Wales alone, more than a thousand cases have occurred since Australia was established, including at least fifty murder cases." Minister Thomas lowered his head, somewhat ashamed.

"It's all right, Minister Thomas. The incomplete statistics from before weren't your fault." Arthur looked at Minister Thomas's slightly ashamed expression and spoke to comfort him.

"But I hope Australia's chaotic situation can be resolved within a year. I hope that next year, Australia's crime rate will be greatly reduced, and preferably that no murders will occur at all. Once a relatively serious case occurs, especially a murder, it must be handled swiftly and fairly, and the victim's family must receive a certain amount of compensation." Arthur changed tack and issued his demand.

"At the same time, I hope all our cities can build police departments, even if they're small stations with only two or three people. Australia should be a prosperous, developed, and beautiful homeland, not a cradle for those damn criminals." Arthur swept his gaze around and said firmly, "But this doesn't mean the Ministry of Public Security can impose no requirements when recruiting police officers. First, every officer must undergo strict identity and background checks, then complete a long period of training before taking up the post. Before our officers finish training, we also cannot simply sit back and watch Australia's terrible security situation deteriorate. The Ministry of Public Security must immediately launch an investigation. Anyone with ties to gangs is to be a key subject of your investigation. For any individual or organization, once evidence of illegal or criminal activity is uncovered, arrest them immediately. If you lack manpower, I'll dispatch a thousand soldiers to assist you."

Arthur's words directly pronounced the death sentence of every dangerous gang in Australia.

No matter how powerful a gang was, it could not stand against an entire nation.

Everyone felt pity for those gangs. When facing a thousand regular soldiers, even all the gangs in Australia combined would have no way to resist.

Second update. Please show your support with votes and investments!