Page 1799 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 5 May 2010
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Kambah in September 1984. Over the past 18 months, the Neighbourhood Watch program has gone through significant rejuvenation, including the creation of the first Neighbourhood Watch program in Tuggeranong since its inception. These include the Calwell, Theodore, Monash and Richardson chapters. Two new groups are expected to be created in late May, with meetings planned for Isabella Plains and Bonython. Further groups have been seen rejuvenating in Belconnen, with higher participation rates and closer engagement with the police and the community throughout. I would just like to personally acknowledge and thank those volunteers that work across the Neighbourhood Watch sector for the contribution they make to our community.
I will move an amendment to the motion that has been circulated in my name. I ask the Assembly to note that the government has committed to funding of Neighbourhood Watch of $20,000 per year to 2013; ACT Policing has committed further funding to assist their attendance at the national Neighbourhood Watch meetings; and the president conveys that they have never enjoyed such a relationship with and as much support from ACT Policing as they currently do. Effectiveness has, is, and will continue to be improved through government and ACT Policing support.
I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit paragraphs (1)(d) and (2), substitute:
“(2) notes:
(a) the ongoing commitment of the ACT Government and ACT Policing to work with Neighbourhood Watch to explore better partnership arrangements to improve the effectiveness of the program; and
(b) that the Government has committed $20 000 per annum, over the next three years, to support Neighbourhood Watch in its activities.”.
Just before I close, I want to make note of a further amendment to be proposed by Mr Rattenbury and indicate that we will be supporting that amendment when that comes on.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (4.46): The Greens welcome the motion brought forward by Mr Doszpot today and appreciate the opportunity to talk about Neighbourhood Watch, because we believe that Neighbourhood Watch does a great deal for our community to help build a sense of community, to give local businesses and residents the opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of their area and to build community safety and prevent crime through educating about measures to increase safety and prevent crime. They give very simple and practical advice on their website and through their publications. Neighbourhood Watch meetings also provide a safe place for people to get together and discuss things that are important to them and provide a sense of wellbeing and safety.
I believe that, over the course of their history in the ACT—as a very young man in Canberra, I remember Neighbourhood Watch being around at those times—they have established themselves as a significant community representative. What is exciting about Neighbourhood Watch—a number of members from Neighbourhood Watch
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