Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities.

The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations.

Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change.

“Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel safe and supported,” Mr Atalla said.

“We need to continue planning  for the future and investing in long-term solutions.”

The inquiry visited ten different communities across regional NSW, including for hearings at Bourke, Broken Hill, Kempsey and Tamworth.

“People told us that funding place-based, community-led responses is the most effective way to respond to youth  offending,” Mr Atalla said.

The report makes a number of recommendations relating to the organisation and oversight of  funding arrangements, support for young people involved in the Youth Justice system, police resourcing, and training for police and Local Court magistrates.

“Keeping children engaged in education, safe in the evening, and supported during difficult times is vital,” Mr Atalla said.

“Programs that provide at-risk children with wraparound support and skills for life give young people the support they need to thrive.

“We heard positive feedback on current initiatives during this inquiry.

“However, there are opportunities to expand and improve service delivery and availability in regional NSW to better  support at-risk young people.

“Our hope is that the recommendations will help to do this.”

The report also recommends that the NSW Government provides a progress report on the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee.

The inquiry’s final report can be found on the Committee’s webpage, along with the interim report tabled in May 2025, and evidence received throughout the inquiry.