NSW Nationals leader and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has added his voice to calls for parliamentary inquiry into regional crime, saying the focus needs to be on youth crime.  

In an interview with the Western Plains App Mr Saunders said the inquiry would allow for new solutions to be canvassed. 

"Unfortunately at the moment I think we have a range of people committing crimes who don't fit the norm and we don't know what the solutions are at the moment". 

"At the moment we only have a couple of options – detention or the current diversionary programs, there is clearly a 5 or 10% who this isn't working for, so we need to listen to some experts about what they think will work" he said. 

According to BOCSAR, up to 90 per cent of crimes including vehicle theft, breaking and entering, sexual assault and domestic assault occur in regional communities.  

Mr Saunders said that the big issue was youth crime and when it came to youth crime, a small proportion where causing the majority of problems and "if we could deal with them, we could really have much of this problem solved". 

Late last week, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley was quizzed about why she would not instigate a regional crime inquiry today in parliament estimates. 

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said  “This is a Minister who is failing our regional communities by turning a blind eye to the situation at hand. We are seeing violent crimes occur on a regular basis, which is leaving families too scared to leave their homes.”  

“Criminal activity is rife in the regions, and an inquiry would help to figure out what the core issues are and what our hardworking police need to combat this issue.  

“Our country cops are doing the best they can. They are working overtime and understaffed due to crippling under resourcing, despite their increased workloads."

Acting CEO of Gilgandra Land Council Sonya Graham agreed that part of the problem was police understaffing. 

"Our police station is not always available and we have to contact Dubbo if something happens – and crime and drugs are big problems in our communities." 

"It needs to be addressed something has to be done. We have meetings with the police force, but then where does that come to. I think something needs to be done on a higher level".

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley told the Western Plains App 

"We don’t need politicians on Macquarie Street to tell us there’s a problem. We know there is a problem and police are doing everything they can to address this". 

"I don’t want to see our police tied up in an inquiry and then wait for 18 months to get some recommendations, by then it’ll be too late. We need to be acting and responsive now and that’s exactly what the NSW Police Force is doing" she said.  

No need for 'talk fest' 

The NSW Police Minister has repeatedly refused to commit to a Parliamentary Inquiry to address the crime wave gripping regional parts of the state, dismissing it as a “talk fest”.  

“At the end of the day it is our police who are continually on the front line, they are the ones running towards the danger on a daily basis and we need this inquiry to address how we can tackle this growing problem better.  

“Every day Labor sits on its hands is another day crime grows out of control. We can’t have residents afraid to step out of their front door. It’s no way to live and nobody deserves to feel that way. 

“It is incredibly concerning is that the Police Minister can’t remember the last time she sat down for a meeting with the Premier, or that he didn’t feel it necessary to take her with him to Moree.” 

Recent data has revealed law and order is one of the top five emerging issues for New South Wales and up to 90% of crimes are happening in our regional communities. 

There have been countless calls for help from multiple agencies and communities, including the NSW Country Mayors Association, NSW Police Association, NSW Farmers Association, Country Women’s Association and 84 local government councils.  

To report a crime, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.