Machetes. A metal baseball bat. Alleged home invasions and stolen cars. Six young people have been arrested over more than 100 alleged offences across the Mid North Coast, and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp says it should be a serious wake-up call for the NSW Government.
Police allege those involved in a serious assault in South Kempsey were armed with machetes and a metal baseball bat. The investigation also involves alleged home invasions and stolen vehicles across the region.
“How many more times do our communities have to hear about this sort of offending before we see stronger action?” Kemp said.
“We’re talking about alleged offenders breaking into homes and carrying machetes and baseball bats.”
“These are serious crimes that have real consequences for victims, families and the wider community.”
“People should be able to sleep safely in their own homes, walk down their streets and go about their daily lives without worrying about becoming the next victim.”
Since August, Kemp has been calling on the NSW Government to bring the NSW Police PolAir-Remote drone program to the Mid North Coast.
He points to Moree, where the drone trial reported a drop in crime of almost 50 per cent since it began. The technology has helped police make more than 100 arrests and recover 70 stolen vehicles.
“The PolAir-Remote drones are what the community is asking for,” Kemp said.
“Our police need every tool available to them to respond quickly, track offenders and keep themselves and the public safe.”
So far, the answer has been to wait.
“I raised this directly with the Police Minister in August during Question Time and was told a business case needed to be completed before a decision could be made,” Kemp said.
“I’ve been back in the Minister’s office again this week because our communities cannot afford to keep waiting.”
“Given the seriousness of offending we’re seeing across our region, there is a very clear case for giving our police access to this technology.”
Kemp is also throwing his weight behind tougher sentencing. The NSW Nationals and Liberals have committed to introducing Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation within the first 100 days of forming government.
The reforms would expand the list of serious children’s indictable offences. That would allow maximum adult sentences to apply to more serious crimes, with greater weight given to the impact on victims.
“Age should not be a free pass for serious criminal behaviour,” Kemp said. “If you commit a serious adult crime, there should be serious adult consequences.”
“Victims and their families deserve to know that the justice system takes what they’ve been through seriously.”
“This legislation makes it clear that violent and repeat offending will not be tolerated.”
But punishment is only half the plan. Kemp said the Coalition would also boost investment in youth diversion and early intervention, doubling the Community Safety Investment Fund to $10 million and funding an expansion of the Alternative Suspension Program.
That program aims to improve student behaviour and cut repeat school suspensions, helping young people get back on track before their behaviour escalates.
“We have to tackle this from both ends,” Kemp said.
“That means addressing the behaviour behind repeat offending, keeping kids engaged in education and making sure there are genuine opportunities to turn things around.”
“The NSW Government needs to step up, back our police, support victims and make sure there are real consequences for serious offending.”
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