Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has welcomed the inclusion of Kempsey in a new $23 million NSW Government package targeting youth crime and justice issues in regional communities.
Under the announcement, the Government will provide:
• $12 million to expand place-based youth crime prevention responses in Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey
• $6.3 million for intensive bail supervision and support, including two new caseworkers based in Kempsey
• $5 million for a Community Safety Investment Fund to support diversion and prevention programs
Mr Kemp said the funding recognises the challenges faced by the Macleay Valley but warned that communities expect meaningful results.
“I want to thank the Minister for including Kempsey in this package and acknowledging our valley as a priority area,” he said.
“It’s good to see the government’s response to what regional communities have been calling for. However, the community still has concerns over whether we will see real change.”
“This money comes from taxpayers’ pockets, and the community expects that every dollar be guided by measurable outcomes that genuinely improve safety.”
Mr Kemp said residents have consistently raised the need for stronger bail laws and greater accountability for repeat youth offenders.
“No one wants to see young people locked up unnecessarily. But when a young person is carrying a weapon and threatening someone, the community deserves stronger protections for the victims.”
He urged Premier Chris Minns and Attorney General Michael Daley to act. “Our police are doing everything they can, but they need stronger laws behind them,” he said.
More information is available at the NSW Government website.
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