BOTH the Oxley branches of the National and Labor Party will not make a commitment to drop the level of crime in Kempsey to NSW state levels.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Recorded Crime Statistics September Quarter 2014 report shows Kempsey having a higher crime rate in practically all types of offences than the state by an average of 2 per cent.
With the state election on March 28, The Macleay Argus asked incumbent National Party Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Labor candidate for Oxley Fran Armitage if they could make a commitment to at least try to drop Kempsey crime statistics to NSW state levels over a certain time period.
In response Melinda Pavey said since December 2011, the NSW Liberal/National Government has allocated 10 additional police to the Mid North Coast LAC which patrols Kempsey with an additional seven police officers commencing duty in May 2015.
“These extra policing numbers reflect the improved crime statistics for the Kempsey area with all major crime categories stable or falling in the 24 months to September 2014,” Ms Pavey said.
“There is no silver bullet solution, but I will work hand in hand with the community to continue to drive the crime rate down by fighting for more local police and ensuring they are supported not only by the Government but by the entire community. That is the only solution.”
Labor candidate for Oxley Fran Armitage said crime in regional areas tend to be high and I believe that a large number come from the lack of community services, education, peer leadership and guidance.
“The community is more aware of how important it is to come together to fight this issue through forums and reporting all crimes to the police so there is a true reflection of statistics,” Ms Armitage said.
"It would be ideal to have a strong police presence so response times are reduced, have more patrols in the area and in the coastal villages at peak times.
“I don't have all the answer and I am not prepared to be a representative of the community with false promises, however what I can assure the public is that my aim is to improve all the issues that affect our community and the crime element is hand in hand with many reforms I will push through should I be elected to represent Oxley.”
