Nationals Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, has called out the Minns Labor Government for its continued failure to fix the state’s broken bail system.
During Question Time, Mr Kemp demanded answers from the Premier, asking whether it would take a death from crime before the government finally acts to protect regional communities.
“There was serious violence, multiple offences, weapons involved, and they were already out on bail,” Mr Kemp said. “They’ve been shot at by police for running roadblocks. How is that not enough to refuse bail?”
Mr Kemp said that despite clear evidence of growing crime in regional NSW, the Premier refused to acknowledge the truth.
“In the Kempsey LGA alone, youth crime has jumped by 33 per cent in just 12 months. Yet when I questioned him in Parliament, the Premier claimed that crime figures are dropping in NSW,” Mr Kemp said.
“That response is a slap in the face to the people of Kempsey who are living with the reality of break-ins, car thefts, and violent crime increasing.”
Mr Kemp moved a Notice of Motion highlighting the community’s frustration and fear over repeat violent offenders being continually released back onto the streets.
I ask that this House:
1. Notes that violent repeat offenders in Kempsey, some already on bail, carried out an armed robbery, home invasion, and break and enter last week.
2. Recognises that despite the severity of these crimes, all offenders were granted bail.
3. Condemns the Minns Labor Government for failing to reform bail laws, leaving communities living in fear for their safety.
4. Calls on the Minns Labor Government to urgently take action to protect communities like Oxley from repeat violent offenders by strengthening bail laws.
“Our communities are crying out for safety and accountability,” Mr Kemp said. “People are scared, angry, and tired of watching violent offenders walk free to reoffend.”
“They talk tough on crime, but their actions show the opposite,” he said.
“They voted against stronger laws that would have made our communities safer, and they voted against backing our police.”
