MondMonday, 26 June 2006

SMALL POLICE STATIONS NEED HIGHER PRIORITY: NATS

Concerns are being raised over the future of small country police stations and the safety of country communities following the decision to remove a budget allocation to upgrade the Branxholme police residence.

The Nationals Spokesman for Police, Bill Sykes, and Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty, have today called on the State Government to clarify its policy in relation to one-man stations following this budget backflip and the decision to service the Branxholme community from a neighbouring town.

“As I understand it, there is no intention to have a permanent police presence at the residence in Branxholme and police will respond to calls from either Hamilton or Heywood,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The State Budget included an allocation of $500,000 to upgrade the residence at Branxholme after 10 months of no permanent police presence in the town.

“However, the money is likely to be spent elsewhere in the region and the Branxholme community seems set to miss out on a local police presence.”

Dr Sykes said it was an issue of state-wide concern and he would be seeking clarification from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services when Parliament resumes in July.

“There appears to be a trend towards servicing small country towns from neighbouring regional centres,” Dr Sykes said.

“It’s an unacceptable approach to community policing and I am very concerned for the safety of families living in smaller country towns.

“I’m not sure if it’s a reluctance by the police officers themselves to apply for postings in rural and remote areas, or whether the government is driving this through a change in policy.

“Whatever the cause, it is a concern that the vital roles of the traditional small town policeman is being effectively outsourced to major regional centres.”

Mr Delahunty said he had lobbied for and gained funding in the budget for an upgrade of the police residence at Branxholme and believed the community wanted a permanent police presence in the town.

“A local policeman is not just a law enforcer but also their presence provides safety and security in a small country community,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The mere presence of a local policeman tends to keep things under control and effectively prevents crime. It would be a huge mistake to start outsourcing one-man stations and effectively robbing country towns of their local police presence.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989