THE NSW Government, NSW Police Force and NSW judiciary were represented at a crime-focused general meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW at Parliament House last week, ahead of NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s visit to the north-west region this week.

More than 120 mayors and general managers met last Friday to hear from keynote speakers about crime in rural, remote and regional LGAs.

Ms Catley, who also visited Moree, Boggabilla, Toomelah and Inverell this week with MLC Stephen Lawrence, said reducing crime is about partnership.

“State and Local Government must work together, in partnership with First Nations people and the broader community to improve safety in the community and address local challenges. Prevention is fundamental to crime reduction,” Ms Catley said.

Ms Catley and NSW Police Force acting deputy commissioner, Brett Greentree, provided a data-packed progress report on Operation Soteria, which has a regional youth focus, particularly in northern and western New South Wales.

To date, Operation Soteria has addressed 340 break-and-enters; 137 juveniles were charged, with 34 per cent of them already charged or on bail at the time; and 92 offenders received Boast and Post charges.

“Everyone in rural, remote and regional New South Wales has the right to feel safe in their community,” Ms Catley said.

Acting deputy commissioner Brett Greentree said it is important to communicate with communities to instil confidence.

“Everyone needs to spread the good word and highly publicise positive outcomes because fear of crime impacts quality of life,” Mr Greentree said.

Mr Greentree also delivered an update on regional crime trends.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and MLC Stephen Lawrence met with Boggabilla Central School students this week as part of a tour across north-western New South Wales (Image: Stephen Lawrence MLC).

Robbery is down by eight per cent, steal from motor vehicle is down 11 per cent, break-and-enter is down four per cent, sexual assault and drug-related crime is stable, with motor vehicle theft up more than three per cent.

Domestic violence-related crime up four per cent, and breach of bail up up more than 12 per cent, as a result of targeted operations.

NSW Shadow Police Minister, Paul Toole, says there are less “boots on the ground”, with Ms Catley saying more police are needed.

Recruitment initiatives, like Be a Cop in Your Hometown are seeing positive results.

“We have had over 4600 recruit applications over the last 18 months,” Ms Catley said.

“Improved workforce benefits have contributed to recruitment and retention outcomes, including a once-in-a-generation pay rise, and the move to flexible working hours and opportunity to job share.”

Chief Magistrate of NSW, Judge Michael Allen, provided an understanding of his role and work in regional New South Wales.

He said New South Wales is fortunate to have an independent judiciary, enforcing the laws created by Parliament.

“Our busy Local Court system has 48 magistrates servicing 109 courts across New South Wales,” Mr Allen said.

“A country service policy is to be implemented, meaning no more FIFO. Ideally, a magistrate should have at least two years in the bush so they understand country communities. Our magistrates handle 45,000 bail applications annually. There are 80,000 domestic violence matters before our courts annually – it is the scourge of Australia,” he said.

This week, Ms Catley, assistant commissioner Andrew Holland, superintendent Chris McKinnon and inspector Dave Botha met with Moree Plains Shire councillors to discuss the local community’s ongoing concerns and challenges regarding crime and safety.

Councillors were provided updates on current operations and initiatives for police force attraction and retention.

Ms Catley also visited key organisations across the north-west, including Moree PCYC, Boggabilla Central School and police stations at Inverell and Moree, with MLC Stephen Lawrence.