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Response to police criticism

 

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has responded to criticism of the staffing of Woy Woy police station by Member for Gosford Mr Chris Hartcher.

"All we've seen from Mr Hartcher is scaremongering about police station operating times.

"Our police do a fantastic job here on the Central Coast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the Opposition dares to criticise."

Contrary to Mr Hartcher's recent statement; Woy Woy Police Station is definitely open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, she said.

"Overall administration of the Brisbane Water Local Area Command is directed from Gosford and staff power and supply of vehicles are allocated accordingly."

Ms Andrews said the community had been waiting for new Coalition leaders John Brogden and Chris Hartcher to speak up on law and order, but they could only manage a re-announcement of Government ideas.

"Police Minister Michael Costa announced plans including rostered beat policing, paperwork reductions, and specialist crime units as early as November last year," Ms Andrews said.

"And from July 1, the restructure of NSW Police will put more police, resources and autonomy back into the hands of our local commanders."

Ms Andrews also congratulated Acting Commissioner Ken Moroney, who had asked his five new region commanders to report back to him urgently on the issue of police station operating hours and staffing levels, to see if improvements could be made.

"I commend his return to back-to-basics policing," Ms Andrews said.

Press release, April 29