Page 1810 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 5 May 2010
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need to enhance Neighbourhood Watch’s ability to embrace that level of information so that the intelligence that can then be provided to police really supports our law enforcement in the community.
When we look at our levels of crime within the community, we highlight the role of and the need for Neighbourhood Watch. When we look at the latest ABS crime victimisation rates we find that, although the ACT is not the worst jurisdiction in Australia across the board, it has some concerning levels of crime and we are the worst for particular areas. You would think that in a place like Canberra we would have some of the lowest crime victimisation rates. If anyone is interested, I can provide them with a link to the ABS data.
It is quite concerning how high some of those victimisation rates are. Of particular concern are things like threatened assault, break-ins, motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicles and malicious property damage. I also know, from reports from constituents, that a number of crimes are seriously underreported in the ACT. Of course, all crime remains a serious concern for Canberra Liberals. We would encourage all initiatives from the government that would see a reduction in crime in our community, not only law and order based activity.
Neighbourhood Watch is important, but I also support, as the shadow police minister, the need for a well-resourced and well-supported ACT police force. I note that there were some additions to police numbers in the budget, but those police are not front-line police officers as such. They are aimed at the RAPID system and liquor licensing. When it comes to crime in our community, the property theft and assaults that we are talking about, there is nothing that the government has provided in this year’s budget for the police to support Neighbourhood Watch. There was nothing additional for Neighbourhood Watch and that is somewhat disappointing.
I would conclude by highlighting, again, the great work of Neighbourhood Watch. I commend Mr Doszpot for his motion. I understand that it is being somewhat altered through amendments. I am disappointed because I think the motion covers all of the pertinent issues. I think there is little in the motion that people could have cause to argue with, but I understand that is the way these things work. I commend Mr Doszpot for his work and I commend the motion to the Assembly.
Amendment agreed to.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (5.21), by leave: I move:
Add:
“(3) calls on the Government to invite Neighbourhood Watch to attend the regular Planning and Development Forum run by the ACT Planning and Land Authority.”.
I will speak briefly. I seek to insert this amendment which asks the government to invite Neighbourhood Watch to the regular planning and development forum. The community councils are already invited to attend and to have input into planning
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