Liberal Candidate for South Coast, Paul Ell, joined the Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Youth Justice, the Hon. Susan Carter MLC, to launch a petition calling for the Bay and Basin Police Station in Sanctuary Point to become a 24-hour police station.
According to the most recent NSW Police Force Annual Report, the workforce strength for the South Coast Police District experienced a net decrease under Labor. Between 2022-23 and 2024-25 the district has gone from 263 sworn officers to 232, losing 31 sworn police officers.
“In the middle of a crime crisis, Labor has failed to invest in the safety of our communities and ensure that we have the police numbers that South Coast needs,” said Mr Ell. “That’s why we are calling for the Government to invest in community safety with a 24-hour police station, so the community has a safe place to go to any time day or night.”
“We have started a community petition for a 24-hour police station in Sanctuary Point, because the current situation is just not good enough. Every other day I’m hearing stories from businesses and residents throughout Sanctuary Point of repeat break and enters, vandalism and serious issues with e-bikes; and this petition is an opportunity for the community to share those stories.”
“Local police officers have a large area they have to cover, and it can often take a long time for them to get from Nowra to Sanctuary Point in the middle of the night to respond to incidents. The reality is that right now our police are being stretched far too thin.”
“With the community behind us, I am committed to fighting for the additional police resources we need and that includes ensuring that the Bay and Basin Police Station is operating on a 24-hour basis.”
Shadow Attorney General, the Hon. Susan Carter MLC, said she was left outraged by the stories of locals confronted with Labor’s crime crisis.
“South Coast needs a local member who is committed to ensuring community safety,” Ms Carter said. “The South Coast Police District numbers have been going in the wrong direction, while Liza Butler has failed to stand up for the needs of local residents and businesses.”
“Paul Ell is listening to his community, and this petition shows that he will be standing up for their needs.
“Under Labor, crime is out of control, and our communities have become less safe. There are currently 2,500 police officer vacancies across NSW, while organised crime is out of control, drug dealing has increased 22.5%, and the number of assault victims in NSW has increased 13.3%.
“Our comprehensive Safer Streets, Stronger Communities plan includes a number of important measures such as our Adult Crime, Adult Time, that will help address crime issues here on the South Coast.
“If elected Paul Ell will be an important part of Kellie Sloane’s team when it comes to this and other important issues,” Ms Carter concluded.
The petition can be signed at https://nswliberal.org.au/sanctuary-point.
