Photo caption: Meeting with Premier Chris Minns in Moree yesterday to discuss the rising tide of youth crime and solutions, Moree Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse, Mayor Mark Johnson, Premier Chris Minns and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Friday, 23 February 2024
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has used a visit to Moree by Premier Chris Minns to once again highlight the need for immediate action to address a fast-rising tide of youth crime in the region.
Mr Marshall welcomed the Premier yesterday on his first trip to Moree, where they together met with local civic leaders, police, business owners, victims of crime, a youth group, local school students and the team at Moree PCYC.
“I never miss a chance to invite the Premier and his Ministers to our region, so I was pleased to be able to welcome him to our part of the world yesterday, amid rising pressure from community leaders and residents wanting urgent action to tackle the growing trend of violent, anti-social behaviour,” Mr Marshall said.
“It was good to be able to show the Premier Moree first-hand and for him to hear from locals and experts on the youth crime issues plaguing our region.
“We discussed a range of matters specific to Moree and those common to almost every community in our region, specifically the need for adequate policing numbers, the weak decisions of the local courts letting down the community and police and the need to better co-ordinate the efforts of various organisations already funded in the community to work with youth and divert them from anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“The Premier listened and was receptive to all the matters raised directly with him, asked lots of questions and was left in no doubt about the range and seriousness of the issues our region is facing at the moment in relation to youth crime.
“The Premier heard the same messages throughout the day, from every group and individual he met with, and he committed to helping us develop and implement solutions tailored to our region’s needs.
“I used the day to urge the Premier to take action to make changes in the local court, which is not supporting the community or police, particularly when it continues to release repeat offenders back into the community – where they commit more crime.
“The Premier heard directly from the local police that 63 per cent of crime locally is currently committed by people released into the community by the court on bail.
“This is completely unacceptable and has to that has to stop. We need a circuit breaker, the community needs a rest from these offences and people deserve to feel safe again.
“The second major point hammered home yesterday was the need for proper accountability and co-ordination between the more than the 70 government-funded organisations in Moree, which are charged with providing support and diversionary programs for local youth.
“None of these organisations, bar one, offer support services on weekends or after 5pm on weekdays, when we need them the most.
“It’s critical that the tens of millions of dollars already being invested by government is being spent properly so get the greatest effect in the community and help our young people.
“At the moment, no one believes this is happening.”
Mr Marshall said the hard work would now begin on the next steps, including developing and implementing solutions to the growing problem.
“It was a really productive day, but we need to see outcomes, not just nice words,” he said.
“The council and I will be meeting with the Premier again soon to have input into a suite of solutions and measures government will put in place to support us,” he said.
“I’m very grateful for the Premier’s interest and time yesterday and I’ll keep fighting on behalf of the community and local police until we see solutions implemented.”