Farmers and property owners in the region can be assured the Government is working closely with the NSW Police Force to stamp out rural crime. I welcome the NSW Police Force’s proposal to introduce rural crime prevention teams to bolster and improve its response to rural crime in our region

The job of a farmer is hard enough without having livestock stolen or fences ruined in wanton acts of destruction. Unfortunately, police often find rural crimes go unreported because victims believe there is no proof, or it isn’t serious enough to warrant a police investigation. This year’s Rural Crime Week is all about dispelling that doubt.

I urge residents in the Dubbo electorate to continue to assist local police by reporting any suspicious activity. Vigilance is key.

The review of the current law undertaken by former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Bradshaw provided important guidance for the Government in crafting the reforms currently before Parliament.

These measures will ensure the courts have appropriate penalties available to hold offenders to account, and to deter would-be criminals from engaging in this hideous behaviour, which costs country communities and hard-working rural residents a fortune.

The NSW Police Force takes rural crime very seriously, and our reforms are designed to give regional officers the legislative framework they need to solve these crimes and give farmers more confidence to report any incidents.

Deputy Commissioner for Regional Field Operations Gary Worboys is committed to the establishment of rural crime prevention teams. This is one of many new operational reforms the NSW Police Force is proposing to introduce to bolster and improve its response to rural crime across the state.

Anyone with information concerning rural crime in NSW should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Last week I welcomed the release of a discussion paper – Shaping a Better Child Protection System – that examines how adoptions and Children’s Court proceedings could be streamlined to ensure more children are quickly given permanency and a safe and loving home for life.

In the paper, the Government outlines proposed amendments to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) and the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW).

Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward said the amendments were being considered to Build on reform underway and strengthen legislation that promotes permanency through preservation, restoration and open adoption.

We want an adoption and child protection system that firmly places the child at the centre of everything we do. I urge everyone in Dubbo electorate to have their say on this discussion paper.

I hope the proposals will generate thoughtful discussion on reform that is so critically important to NSW, and that is the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable children.

How to have your say on the Shaping a Better Child Protection System discussion paper

Online: Follow the link on the Have Your Say website to the online submission form

Email: childprotectionDP@facs.nsw.gov.au. Subject: ‘Shaping a Better Child Protection System’. Mail: Shaping a Better Child Protection System,

Commissioning Division Department of Family and Community Services

4-6 Cavill Avenue, Ashfield, NSW, 2131.

Have your say by 5pm on 30 November 2017.