Youth crime crisis in Parkes electorate demands urgent action, say local leaders

Following a tragic incident in Gunnedah involving a fatal collision with a vehicle allegedly stolen by three 14-year-olds from Moree, local leaders are demanding immediate and decisive action from the NSW Labor Government to combat the escalating youth crime in the Parkes electorate.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and Nationals candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, have joined state Nationals colleagues in calling for significant legislative reforms, highlighting a deep sense of frustration and urgency among affected communities.

Communities Reeling from Tragedy

“I know the Moree, Narrabri and Gunnedah communities are still reeling from this shocking tragedy,” stated Mr Coulton, expressing his condolences to the loved ones of the Narrabri man who lost his life in the incident.

Mr Coulton noted that the incident is just the tip of the iceberg, as communities throughout the electorate have been grappling with youth crime for years, which he says has worsened over the past year.

He believes the situation has reached a critical point where residents' safety is compromised.

Government Inaction Under Scrutiny

Despite a $26.2 million package announced by the NSW Labor Government in March last year, aimed at addressing regional youth crime, Mr Coulton said that there has been no tangible change on the ground, and that if anything, crime has only worsened.

He raised concerns about the effectiveness of current approaches, questioning the efficacy of existing youth organizations.

“Back then, I questioned whether throwing more money at some of the existing youth organisations would make any difference when they don’t seem to be working currently. Something needs to change,” he said.

Calls for Legislative Reform

Echoing these sentiments, Mr Chaffey, former Chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, is pushing for legislative changes, particularly to bail laws.

He supports his state Nationals colleague Brendan Moylan’s call for courts to deny bail to repeat serious offenders, regardless of their age. Mr Chaffey emphasized that people have been screaming for change, but we are yet to see any practical solutions.

Parliamentary Inquiry Yields No Results

Mr Chaffey also expressed his disappointment that a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into regional crime, which he had previously advocated for, has not produced any tangible outcomes.

Despite three hearings being held in October in Bourke, Broken Hill and Kempsey, he said that no interim report or practical solutions have been released.

Mr Chaffey also questioned why hearings were not held in more towns, given that this is an issue felt across the entire Parkes electorate.

Focus on Intervention and Diversion

In the face of this crisis, Mr Chaffey emphasized that if we do nothing, nothing will change.

As the Nationals candidate for Parkes, he pledged to fight for greater youth intervention and diversionary programs to tackle the underlying reasons why young people turn to crime.

Mr Chaffey is hopeful that, if elected, the Coalition can implement positive diversionary programs in the Parkes electorate, noting the earlier the intervention, the greater chance of reform.

Community Desperation

The situation has left communities in the Parkes electorate feeling unheard, with Mr Coulton saying they deserve to see some action to tackle this issue and help them feel safe.

The calls for immediate legislative and practical solutions demonstrate a growing urgency and a demand for real change from the NSW Labor Government