Liberal candidate for Kiama, Serena Copley, backed the Liberals’ Adult Crime, Adult Time policy, that ensures serious offenders face serious consequences and delivers greater support to break the cycle of offending.
NSW Liberals have committed to introducing reforms within first 100 days, to ensure that young people who commit the most serious violent and property crimes will face consequences that reflect the seriousness of their offending.
Ms Copley said the Minns Labor Government had lost its grip on crime across NSW, and people across the community have been approaching her worried about local safety.
“People across Albion Park, Kiama, Bomaderry and throughout our region deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities,” Ms Copley said.
“Our police do an incredible job. They are out there every day dealing with serious and complex crimes, and they deserve the laws and resources they need to protect our community.”
Under Adult Crime, Adult Time, Liberals would expand the list of serious children’s indictable offences requiring trial in the District Court, including reckless GBH in company, armed robbery, carjacking, arson, and break and enter offences, while doubling funding for youth diversion and rehabilitation programs.
The offences would be backed by guideline sentencing and new sentencing principles, and greater weight will be given to victim impact rather than the age of the offender.
“Enforcement alone is not enough, early intervention and rehabilitation will play an important part in this policy,” Ms Copley said. “We need consequences for serious crime, but we also need the right programs and support in place to address the causes of offending, help people turn their lives around and reduce the risk of them reoffending.”
The Coalition has committed to doubling the Community Safety Investment Fund to $10 million, alongside expanded diversion and school-suspension initiatives and post-detention rehabilitation programs.
“We want community organisations involved. We want families supported. We want young people reconnected with education, training and employment, and we want proper support after detention to reduce the risk of reoffending.
“There will always be young people we can reach before they become entrenched in serious crime. We should be doing everything possible to reach them.
“That is the balance I want to see: back our police, put victims first, hold serious offenders accountable and invest in rehabilitation that gives young people a real chance to change their lives.
“No matter where you live in the Kiama Electorate, you deserve to feel safe in your home and in your community.”
