Page 1806 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 5 May 2010
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liability insurance; so not a lot is left for the extensive communication and awareness programs that are the hallmark of Neighbourhood Watch.
Whilst this support is welcome, this is the first year that government funding of this level has been provided since ACT Labor was elected to office in 2001. The last time Neighbourhood Watch received any significant level of support was during the time of the previous Liberal government. Perhaps it is in response to, although it falls well short of, the Liberal’s 2008 election promise of $50,000 annual support for Neighbourhood Watch. Mr Smyth has dealt with this at length, as he should have done.
The motion brought forward today by Mr Doszpot is an important one and deserving of this Assembly’s support. Neighbourhood Watch is like an insurance policy for the ACT government. It has a positive impact on reducing crime in our local communities and therefore takes some of the pressure off our already stretched police services. This saves the government money; so a premium paid by way of adequate funding to and support for Neighbourhood Watch is not only justified but is appropriate. I thank Mr Doszpot and I commend the motion to the Assembly.
MS BRESNAN (Brindabella) (5.08): The Greens do thank Mr Doszpot for bringing on this motion today because I think Neighbourhood Watch is a very important community organisation that does really offer that sort of grassroots connection to communities and also that safety and security which it does bring.
Neighbourhood Watch is one community organisation that gives local businesses and residents the opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of their local area. Being based in local suburbs and having residents at the forefront of running the Neighbourhood Watch groups makes them very much a grassroots group who have an excellent understanding of issues in their suburb.
I have had a lot of contact with Neighbourhood Watch, particular with Nick Tsoulias, who represents Neighbourhood Watch in the Tuggeranong area. I know that Mr Doszpot is in contact with him also quite often. I can see that he and many of the key figures of Neighbourhood Watch are some of the most enthusiastic and energetic people who work tirelessly in the community. I have regular meetings with Nick and these have been a key part of knowing what issues are important for people in their community. I know that Neighbourhood Watch have identified that they would like to work more closely with the police and do actively engage them in various forums, including inviting police to take part in community forums.
It is important to note that Neighbourhood Watch, with all the dedicated volunteers, is able to point things out that can sometimes be overlooked by police and authorities. They have an ear to the ground and work closely with families and local businesses to identify issues that are important to the community.
Mr Rattenbury has amended this motion today, or will be amending this motion today—I am unclear what has happened—as the ACT Greens recognise the role Neighbourhood Watch can play in planning and development forums. I think it is important that they are included in community consultations as well because, again,
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