POLICE MINISTER REFUSES TO BACK RURAL CRIME INQUIRY

Amidst a surge in criminal activities gripping rural and regional areas of NSW, the Minister for Police has rejected the necessity of a parliamentary inquiry to address this rising crime menace.

In today’s budget estimate questioning, Police Minister Yasmin Catley faced inquiries about her stance on supporting the 84 councils and numerous local communities pleading for assistance. In response, the Minister refrained from expressing her support for an inquiry.

Shadow Minister for Police, Paul Toole, expressed his astonishment at the Minister’s response.

“An inquiry would provide the insights we urgently require to comprehend the root causes of these issues and determine the necessary resources for our diligent police force to combat this wave of crime,” Mr. Toole asserted.

“This Minister seems to be neglecting the prevailing problems, particularly if they don’t pertain to metropolitan areas. She was even unaware of a police station’s two-week closure until she read it in the Daily Telegraph!

Police Minister Yasmin Catley

“We cannot allow this situation to persist, where residents are fearful of stepping outside their homes. No one should have to live in such apprehension.

“We must ensure that an ample police presence is established, with the necessary resources to proactively address and deter criminal activities, rendering rural areas inhospitable to potential wrongdoers,” he emphasized.

“We require a bipartisan-supported inquiry to address the growing problem of regional and rural crime; it’s a straightforward necessity.”

Supported by the NSW Country Mayors Association, the NSW Police Association, and NSW Farmers, recent findings reveal that crime, law, and order have ascended to the top five emerging concerns in New South Wales. Their research illustrates that up to 90% of crimes, including vehicle theft, break-ins, sexual assault, and domestic violence, are occurring within our regional communities.

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MOTORISTS URGED NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS AS SEVERE WEATHER BATTERS STATE

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging commuters not to take the risk of driving through flash flooded roads as heavy rain lashes Metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast, North Coast and Blue Mountains.

A large storm front is moving across the Great Dividing Range to the east this afternoon (Thursday, 9 November), bringing damaging winds, possible hail and heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding in low lying areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain across Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West Slops and Plains and North West Slopes districts.

NSW SES has personnel and assets prepositioned to respond in our South Eastern, Metro and Northern zones.

NSW SES Senior Manager of State Operations, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes, said flash flooding is dangerous and can happen anywhere there is localised heavy rainfall.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging commuters not to take the risk of driving through flash flooding as heavy rain lashes Metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast, North Coast and Blue Mountains.

“If it’s flooded, stop and find an alternative route. Flash flooding can be deeper than it appears and can contain sewage and poisons, as well as hidden debris,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.

“If you live, work or regularly commute through a low lying area, there may be no official warning for flash flooding. It is critical you assess the conditions and also check live traffic before travelling.”

If you are trapped by rising flash floodwater, seek the safest refuge position and call Triple Zero (000) if life threatening.

The NSW SES advises that people should:  

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
• Unplug computers and appliances.
• Avoid using the phone during the storm.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

For help in floods and storms, ring the NSW SES on 132 500.

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Inflation and Government Policy: A Growing Concern

In recent times, inflation, a persistent economic concern, has assumed a new dimension. Many now view it not merely as a result of market forces but as a government-induced issue. This perspective is supported by the significant uptick in government-imposed fees, charges, and taxes, resulting in a staggering 7.5% increase, surpassing the standard inflation rate by 2%. One noteworthy contributor to this phenomenon is the government’s regular hike in petrol prices every 90 days, causing a ripple effect across the economy, inflating prices across the board.

The clarion call is evident – it’s high time for state, local, and federal governments to re-evaluate and scale back these escalating charges. Concerned citisens are making a simple plea: no more rate hikes. This sentiment stems from the belief that such increases primarily bolster bank profits rather than the welfare of the general populace.

Moreover, if these rate hikes are intended to curtail consumer spending, it’s time for a reassessment. Retail spending has reached an all-time low, indicating that the strategy has indeed achieved its intended purpose. Voters have prudently tightened their financial belts, restraining their expenditures, and it’s now incumbent upon governments to follow suit by discontinuing the unrelenting 7.5% tax increases.

A pivotal moment on the horizon is Melbourne Cup Day, prompting speculation about potential actions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This occasion offers a unique opportunity for the RBA to address the issue of government-induced inflation and capture widespread attention. It’s a chance to chart a new course, one aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by everyday Australians.

The first step in this direction could involve alleviating cash flow difficulties, offering much-needed relief to businesses and individuals grappling with escalating costs. By addressing these concerns collaboratively, the government and financial institutions can tackle the root causes of inflation and usher in much-needed economic stability. The time has come to transition towards fiscal responsibility and create a more consumer-friendly economic landscape.

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