Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, is demanding urgent action from the Minns Government as youth crime spirals out of control across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys and regional NSW."
Mr Williamson is calling on Premier Chris Minns and his Government to take immediate steps to crack down on youth crime and restore community confidence in the justice system.
“On behalf of the communities I represent, I am demanding meaningful legislative reforms be introduced in the NSW Parliament as a matter of urgent priority, as the bail experiment of the past 12 months is failing the people of regional NSW," Mr Williamson said.
“Every day, I hear from locals who are deeply worried about youth crime in our community. They feel the Minns Government is failing to take decisive action, and the problem is only getting worse. The Government needs to give this crisis the full attention it deserves.”
The latest incident in Casino last weekend underscores the severity of the issue.
A unit on Barker Street Casino was allegedly broken into, and a Honda hatchback was stolen.
A Police pursuit ensued when the vehicle allegedly failed to stop, which ended in a collision with a motorhome on West Street.
The 16-year-old driver was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, while the 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital.
Despite being refused bail by police, the 16-year-old was granted bail by the courts just 24 hours later—leaving the community outraged.
Mr Williamson made it clear that this is not a criticism of the hard-working local police, who are doing the best job they can with the resources available to them. Instead, he said the justice system is failing them and the community.
“Our local police are working tirelessly to combat this crime wave, and I commend them for their dedication and commitment. But they are being let down by a judicial system that continues to grant bail to repeat young offenders, sending them straight back onto our streets,” Mr Williamson said.
“This is not what my community expects. I’ve had enough, and the people of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys have had enough! The Government must act immediately before more lives are put at risk."
FILE PHOTO: Richie Williamson speaking in the Legislative Assembly in the NSW Parliament.
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