An inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities by a NSW Parliamentary Committee has been welcomed by Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson.
Mr Williamson said the announcement by the NSW Labor Government was well overdue after it had previously refused calls to hold an inquiry.
“It is an important step forward in a whole-of-government approach to seeking solutions to tackle the root causes of escalating crime in regional communities like the Richmond and Clarence valleys,” Mr Williamson said.
“The NSW Nationals fought side by side with the Country Mayors Association, the Police Association and NSW Famers calling for an in-depth parliamentary inquiry into the causes of the spike in crime in regional communities and what was needed to address it.
“I am pleased the Premier and Police Minister have finally listened so we can get on with the job of seeking solutions to the crime wave impacting regional communities.”
Mr Williamson said the inquiry will be undertaken by the NSW Legislative Assembly on Law and Safety of which his Nationals colleague, the Shadow Minister for Police, Paul Toole is a member.
“I have already spoken to Paul Toole in depth about the impact crime is having on my electorate,” Mr Williamson said.
“I know Paul will advocate very strongly to ensure no stone is left unturned in investigating the drivers of youth crime in all regional communities and actions that can be taken to improve community safety.
“I will also be writing to the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee, Edmond Atalla, requesting the Committee holds a public hearing in my electorate.
“The Committee wants to hear first-hand from regional communities and is accepting public submissions until 31 May.
“I encourage local residents, particularly those who have been impacted by crime, to tell their stories by lodging a submission,” Mr Williamson concluded.
To view the inquiry’s terms of reference and make a submission visithttps://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3042.
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