The Hon. CHARLIE LYNN [11.28 a.m.]: This motion should be headed “Lies, damned lies, and statistics”! Yesterday Government members cited numerous statistics in asserting that there is virtually no crime in New South Wales. The New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has revealed that from 1995 to now—or while this Government has been in office—the trend in the incidence of violent crime per 100,000 population has been increasing. I am not holding the graph upside down: it is going up. Yet one would have thought from the statistics cited yesterday that there is no crime in New South Wales—in fact, there are no problems in this State. The mob opposite is so good it would describe a Coogee Bay sandwich as slices of sourdough with a medium-rare la excreta filling! The Government changes the definition of crime and manipulates statistics and then Labor members move self-congratulatory motions to create the perception that the Government is doing a great job and there are few problems or crime worries. (more…)
Posts Tagged Law and Order
Crime Prevention Motion
Thursday, May 7th, 2009SYDNEY DRIVE-BY SHOOTINGS
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009The Hon. CHARLIE LYNN: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs. Is he aware that Port Moresby is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in our region? Is he also aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a longstanding travel alert on its website warning Australians of the dangers they face when travelling to Port Moresby? Is the Minister aware of recent media reports that there have been 80 drive-by shootings in Sydney this year? Is he also aware there have been no drive-by shootings in Port Moresby in that time? What action is the Minister taking or has he taken to ensure that the Papua New Guinea National Government does not publish a travel alert for Sydney to warn Papua New Guinea citizens of the dangers they face in any planned visit to our once peaceful city?
The Hon. Greg Donnelly: Point of order: Mr President, members opposite would be well aware that on 12 March you gave a detailed ruling on the nature and formation of questions. The question is outside the purview of the Minister. It relates to matters under the control of the Commonwealth and therefore it should be ruled out of order.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: To the point of order: The Government almost on a daily basis, especially during Federal election campaigns, seems to wander across this area and blur the lines. It is up to the Minister how he answers the question.
The Hon. CHARLIE LYNN: Further to the point of order: Those of us in Australia who read the daily newspapers are aware of the dangers posed by drive-by shootings. That is why they have travel alerts to warn people—
The PRESIDENT: Order! Standing Order 64 (1) provides that questions may be put to Ministers relating to public affairs with which the Minister is officially connected. I fail to see how matters relating to a foreign government would come under the purview of a Minister in this House. The question is out of order.
Should judges be elected or appointed?
Friday, March 27th, 2009Law and justice are often seen as a contradictory terms. Laws are made by elected politicians and interpreted by unelected judges. The judges are appointed by politicians. Politicians have to submit themselves to the will of the people for re-election every four years in NSW. Judges are appointed for life on generous taxpayer funded salaries, conditions, allowances and pension schemes. (more…)
NEW SOUTH WALES CRIME COMMISSION STAFFING
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009The Hon. CHARLIE LYNN: My question is directed to the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs. Why was a referral of outlaw motorcycle gangs to the New South Wales Crime Commission not made before his announcement yesterday, given the history of escalating violence and crime by these gangs? Is he aware that the New South Wales Crime Commission has only 27 staff projected for the current financial year? Given that, will he consider increasing staff levels at the New South Wales Crime Commission to manage increased workload following the attack last Sunday at Sydney Airport?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: I really do not intend to make public the internal discussions that I, as chair of the management committee, have with the New South Wales Crime Commission. I also do not intend to unnecessarily give any outsiders any knowledge of the commission’s operations.
Rosemeadow: rumbles, riots and responsibilities . . .
Thursday, January 15th, 2009There is nothing wrong with the quality of public housing in Rosemeadow, Airds, Claymore, Macquarie Fields, Minto or any other estate designed to accommodate people on low incomes. The houses are certainly better than the two bedroom fibro house I grew up in amongst a family of 10 similar to others in our country town. Although we were poor, indeed seriously disadvantaged by today’s standards, I remember nothing but happy times. We respected what we had. We respected each other. And we certainly had an incentive to work hard and do better. (more…)
It’s zero tolerance for drug dealers – you idiot!
Wednesday, April 4th, 2007AFL superstar, Ben Cousins, has it all. Movie star looks, extraordinary athletic ability, silky football skills, heaps of money and fame. He wants for nothing. (more…)
