The NSW Nationals have renewed calls for the Minns Labor Government to back a regional crime inquiry, as viral videos of teens breaking into and robbing motel rooms circulate the internet.
Premier Chris Minns and his embattled Police Minister Yasmin Catley have both publicly opposed the inquiry, despite countless calls for help from multiple agencies and communities, including the NSW Country Mayors Association, NSW Police Association, NSW Farmers Association, Country Women's Association, and 84 local government councils.
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said the shocking footage shows just how severe the youth crime crisis is, and that Chris Minns' inaction has gone on for too long.
"Unfortunately, I am not surprised that this is where we are at. Law and order requires constant focus otherwise you end up with these home invasions, street shootings and kids walking past murder scenes on the way to school," Mr Toole said.
"Yasmin Catley is out of her depth and has been repeatedly missing in action. As a result, crime is now out of control.
"Police are doing all they can, but they have no support behind them. The Minister is silent when it comes to providing extra resources, and the officers are left working endless amounts of overtime to the point of burnout."
Mr Toole said an inquiry would give us the answers we need to combat youth crime once and for all, and that can include reviewing how young offenders are managed and supporting youth programs to get them off the street.
"Families in regional communities are terrified each night that they will wake up to someone in their home stealing their belongings or worse.
"There is nowhere to go - we are now at the point where not even your own home or hotel room is safe.
"Yasmin Catley can no longer bury her head in the sand and pretend this is not happening. It's out of control and our Police and communities deserve real action immediately," Mr Toole concluded.
