Country Coppers will be hard to recruit: Sykes
The Nationals believe it will be harder to attract and retain experienced police officers in small country towns if the State Government gives approval to the sell-off of 45 station houses.
Nationals Spokesperson for Police & Emergency Services, Bill Sykes said Northern Victorian towns with police houses earmarked for sale include Cobram, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen, Tallangatta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Mt Beauty, Bright, Marysville, Eildon, Alexandra, Euroa, Nagambie, Tatura, Rochester, Kyabram and Numurkah.
“I know from experience in my electorate that the local police officer living in the local town has a calming influence on a community and adds a great deal to the overall safety of the area,” Dr Sykes said.
“If the State Government allows this sell-off of police housing, it will make it more difficult to attract and retain police officers in these towns in the future.
“In some towns such as Nagambie and Eildon, suitable alternative rental accommodation for police officers can be very difficult to access.
“The provision of housing makes it more attractive for some police officers to base their families in country towns and their contribution to the community extends way beyond official police business.”
Dr Sykes continued, “I call on the Minister for Police, Bob Cameron to give a clear statement of government policy.
“Victoria Police appears to be driving this asset sell-off because it doesn’t have enough money to maintain and upgrade residences.
“Does the Melbourne Labor Government even understand the role that is played by country police officers who live and work in their local community?”
Dr Sykes said he was concerned that the proposed housing sell-off would create a situation of ‘winners and losers’ in country Victoria.
“As I understand the current proposition, the proceeds from the sale of 45 residences will be used to improve the residences in other areas,” Dr Sykes said.
“If your town is on the hit list, it may mean that the police officer and his family will just pack up and move to the next town which offers a home or the officer will move to a larger town and commute to work.
“Either way, the towns which are on the list will find it harder to attract and retain experienced police officers, compared to neighbouring areas which have been able to keep their police residence.”
Nationals Spokesperson for Police & Emergency Services, Bill Sykes said Northern Victorian towns with police houses earmarked for sale include Cobram, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen, Tallangatta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Mt Beauty, Bright, Marysville, Eildon, Alexandra, Euroa, Nagambie, Tatura, Rochester, Kyabram and Numurkah.
“I know from experience in my electorate that the local police officer living in the local town has a calming influence on a community and adds a great deal to the overall safety of the area,” Dr Sykes said.
“If the State Government allows this sell-off of police housing, it will make it more difficult to attract and retain police officers in these towns in the future.
“In some towns such as Nagambie and Eildon, suitable alternative rental accommodation for police officers can be very difficult to access.
“The provision of housing makes it more attractive for some police officers to base their families in country towns and their contribution to the community extends way beyond official police business.”
Dr Sykes continued, “I call on the Minister for Police, Bob Cameron to give a clear statement of government policy.
“Victoria Police appears to be driving this asset sell-off because it doesn’t have enough money to maintain and upgrade residences.
“Does the Melbourne Labor Government even understand the role that is played by country police officers who live and work in their local community?”
Dr Sykes said he was concerned that the proposed housing sell-off would create a situation of ‘winners and losers’ in country Victoria.
“As I understand the current proposition, the proceeds from the sale of 45 residences will be used to improve the residences in other areas,” Dr Sykes said.
“If your town is on the hit list, it may mean that the police officer and his family will just pack up and move to the next town which offers a home or the officer will move to a larger town and commute to work.
“Either way, the towns which are on the list will find it harder to attract and retain experienced police officers, compared to neighbouring areas which have been able to keep their police residence.”
Powered by ScribeFire.
posted by Greg Naylor at
5:04 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home