Entertainment reporter Peter Ford has voiced strong concerns about the condition of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) after sharing a video on social media that highlighted damage and graffiti at a public toilet near a major transport hub.
Ford's Social Media Post
Ford, a regular guest on Channel 7, posted the video on X on Monday, showing the state of a public toilet located on the footpath outside Flinders Street Station. In his post, he wrote: 'Back in Melbourne for 48 hours. So much of the CBD is just putrid. This is a public toilet on footpath outside Flinders Street Station. It's strewn with filth and graffiti. I dare not look inside.'
Public Reaction
The video quickly drew responses from followers. One person argued that public toilets have looked like this for decades. Ford replied: 'Yes, without getting gross public toilets can get messy. But this is about the OUTSIDE, only 100 metres from the iconic clocks meeting point. If you think that's okay, I can only imagine the squalor you live in.'
Many agreed with Ford. One fan commented: 'Not surprised… Melbourne is dirty compared to other cities... Rats just taking over the streets.' Another said: 'This is largely representative of much of Melbourne and suburbia. Like seeing an old friend die slowly.' Ford responded: 'It feels like people have become numb to it. Sad.'
Another user lamented: 'Our once-beautiful city is unrecognisable right now.' A different comment blamed leniency on youth delinquency: 'Politicians and courts are complicit in this. Too many are being let off because they are minors. Send repeat offenders to jail. No exceptions. Reclaim our cities.'
One person remarked: 'Melbourne is a Third world Country. No train to the city, junkies and bogans everywhere! At least my tax pays for your government staff who do nothing but the least.'
Crime Wave in Victoria
Ford's comments come amid a surge in crime across Victoria, including car thefts. In 2025, 1,271 Holden Commodores, 846 Toyota Land Cruisers, over 670 Toyota Corollas, 592 Toyota Hiluxes, and 467 Toyota Rav4s were stolen. Crime is also rising at entertainment venues, with plans to monitor bar and nightclub patrons via 24/7 live feed to crack down on firebombings. Since April 9, Melbourne's nightclubs, bars, and adult-entertainment venues have experienced 37 firebombings, home invasions, kidnappings, and shootings, leading to at least 42 arrests and 200 charges.
