Country Mayors welcome Police Minister Engagement

Published on 10 February 2025

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM and Executive Board have welcomed verbal commitments from the NSW Police Minister the Hon. Yasmin Catley MP to improve her connectivity with the peak representative body of rural and regional Mayors in NSW.

“In a lengthy phone call, Minister Catley committed to an online meeting with our members, together with Deputy (Police) Commissioner Paul Pisanos. Both the Minister and the Deputy Commissioner indicated that they would like to be guest speakers at our ‘Crime, Law and Order’ meeting in NSW Parliament House on 8 August,” Mayor Firman said.

“The Minister generously acknowledged a need for improved communication channels. We had a frank, positive, respectful and lengthy conversation, which was really appreciated by the CMA,” recounted Mayor Firman. “That communication is so important to us and the Minister, because as country Mayors, we’re really in touch with our communities, experience their challenges and how they differ from Sydney, including crime. We know the crime trends in certain parts of the State and the emotions associated with that impact on local citizens.”

“Many rural and regional Local Government Areas have experienced rising crime rates or trends worse than Sydney. There is an inequity of resources, both in policing and preventative or interventionist programs,” he said. Mayor Firman also acknowledged crime is not a major issue in all the CMA communities. “Our CMA Board and Members acknowledge it’s not all bad across the State, in terms of crime rates. However, where there are issues, our CMA Board and Members all wish to help be part of any solutions that will assist those who need it.”

“Beyond the crime data, fear of crime impacts upon quality of life. If we have residents afraid to leave their homes after dark, then there is work to be done. Police and country Councils must continue to work together.”

The NSW Government’s “Community safety in regional and rural communities” inquiry was a major lobbying win of the CMA. With 196 submissions received by 31 May 2024, demand saw the number of hearings and overall timeline expanded. CMA Executive Board Member and Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, Cr. Russell Webb will provide in-person evidence to the inquiry on 24 February.

“The first report from the inquiry is scheduled to be released on 30 May this year, with the final report on 30 November. Our 8 August meeting will be well placed to follow up and discuss the preliminary report. We will look forward to hearing Minister Catley’s and Deputy Commissioner Pisanos’ reactions and insights, first-hand.”

“CMA members have and always will be strong supporters and allies of our NSW Police Force. We will continue to support and work beside Minister Catley, our Government and the NSW Police Force to do all we can to assist”, Mayor Firman concluded.

For further information, contact: CMA Chairman - Mayor Rick Firman OAM: 0429 204 060

Caption: Inspector Andrew Smith and Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos at a 2024 CMA meeting.