Friday, 22 March 2024
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is encouraging local residents to contribute to the newly-established regional crime inquiry to ensure communities across the region have their say on law and order issues.
Mr Marshall said the inquiry, spearheaded by NSW Country Mayors Association Chairman Jamie Chaffey, was the result of months of campaigning to convince the government of the need to examine the issues behind the incidence and severity of crime in the regions.
“Make no mistake, this inquiry is all thanks to the hard work of Jamie Chaffey and the Country Mayors Association who, along with the Police Association, NSW Farmers, the CWA, and members of the opposition, called on the government to once and for all, take action on combatting regional crime,” Mr Marshall said.
“I backed the need for this inquiry from day one as I too believed it was the only way that we could properly assess the situation, identify whole of government solutions, and put in place long-term measures that will address the issue, and hopefully, provide residents in rural and regional areas with some peace of mind.
“Of course I remain incredibly grateful to Premier Chris Minns for the support and assistance shown for Moree, but this in no way negated the need for a broader and more in-depth examination of these issues across all rural and regional areas.”
Mr Marshall discussed the inquiry and its terms of reference with Mr Chaffey, along with other mayors from the Northern Tablelands, who had gathered at Parliament House for a meeting of CMA members today, with regional crime at the top of the agenda.
“I certainly welcome the inquiry, but the hard work has only just begun; we’ve lost six valuable months while the government dragged its feet on this, so it’s important that we mobilise now, and create real momentum towards achieving meaningful outcomes for the regions,” Mr Marshall said.
“And that’s where our local communities come in; I’m encouraging anyone who would like to tell their story and contribute to this important initiative, to make your voice count by lodging a submission to the inquiry.
“I’ve already written to the committee chair requesting that the committee conduct one of the various regional hearings in our region, to ensure they see firsthand our issues, concerns and hear some of the solutions.
“This parliamentary inquiry is a fantastic step, alongside bail reform legislation introduced this week, and will go a long way to examine the causes of youth crime in rural and regional NSW.”
Mr Marshall said the Inquiry is accepting public submissions until 31 May 2024.
For more information and to lodge a submission, visit www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3042