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.

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“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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