Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging residents to contribute to the newly established regional crime inquiry to ensure communities across the electorate have their say on law & order throughout the region.
Ms Cooke said the inquiry, spearheaded by Country Mayors Association Chairman Mayor Jamie Chaffey, is 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,” Ms Cooke said.
“I backed the need for this inquiry from day one; 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,” she said.
Ms Cooke said she discussed the inquiry and its terms of reference with Mr Chaffey, along with other mayors from the Cootamundra electorate, who had gathered at Parliament House for a meeting of CMA members, 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,” Ms Cooke 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 will be writing to the committee chair requesting that panel members conduct one of the various regional hearings in our Cootamundra electorate, to ensure they see firsthand the need for a new police station in Young, the need for 24/7 policing in Cowra, along with the need for adequate police infrastructure and resourcing in other areas, such as in places like Narrandera,” she said.
Submissions: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/pages/inquiries.aspx
Or contact the electorate office on (02) 6382 2399 for further information.
Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with Country Mayors Association Chairman Mayor Jamie Chaffey, and Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole.
