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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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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Five charged after investigation into “rip on, rip off” method of accessing drugs concealed in shipping containers

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged five men following an ongoing investigation into the supply of large commercial quantities of drugs concealed in shipping containers.

Strike Force Biles was established by State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad in May 2023 to investigate a criminal syndicate allegedly using a method commonly referred to as “rip on, rip off” to access prohibited drugs concealed in legitimate shipping containers.

To date, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) – have seized 201kg of cocaine from three containers, with a street value of $105m.

Six people have already been charged for various related offences, which remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, just after 6am yesterday (Thursday 19 October 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad and Raptor Squad – executed eight search warrants across Woodpark, Rydalmere, Wentworthville, Plumpton, Merrylands, St Clair, and Seven Hills.

At the Woodpark address, police arrested a 18-year-old man who they will allege directed the local criminal syndicate in ‘ripping off’ the containers.

He was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences including knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group, take part in supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, manufacture prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds and property proceeds of crime, and possessing ammunition, DECCD, housebreaking implements, and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

The man was refused bail to appear in a Children’s Court today (Friday 20 October 2023).

A 28-year-old man was arrested at the Plumpton address and taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences including participate in criminal group, take part in supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, possess ammunition without holding a licence or permit, and possessing housebreaking implements and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail and appeared in Blacktown Local Court yesterday.

In Merrylands, police arrested an 18-year-old man who was taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with 11 offences including participate in a criminal group, take part in supply of large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possessing an unauthorised pistol, DECCD, housebreaking implements, and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.

Another 18-year-old man was arrested in Bondi and taken to Bondi Police Station, where he was charged with seven offences including participate in criminal group, take part in supply of large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possessing housebreaking implements and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear in a Children’s Court today.

In Seven Hills, police arrested a 25-year-old man. He was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with participate in criminal group, deal with property proceeds of crime, and possessing ammunition without holding a licence or permit, and identity info to commit indictable offence.

The 25-year-old was refused bail and appeared in Blacktown Local Court yesterday.

During searches of the properties, police located a number of items relevant to their investigation including $37,000 cash, 4kg of methylamphetamine, 3kg of cocaine, a replica firearm, ammunition, electronics and luxury jewellery and watches.

All the items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.

Police will allege in court the 18-year-old Woodpark man received contracts alerting him to a shipment of drugs and directed the group to identify and then break into the containers concealing the prohibited substances.

Those drugs – usually cocaine – were then supplied to a nominated recipient before the group would receive a payment.

Investigations under Strike Force Biles continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.