Taskforce meets to tackle crime

Crime in Rockingham and Kwinana was a hot topic last week as a roundtable meeting of politicians and stakeholders was held.

Brand MHR Madeleine King was joined by shadow minister for justice Clare O’Neil at the meeting in Kwinana, with social organisations, police and the city councils represented.

The Labor politicians held similar meetings in five locations across WA as the party looks to forge policy ahead of the next Federal election.

Issues to arise during the Kwinana meeting included the need for a more holistic approach to prevent crime, the need for the collaboration of services and how young people could become more engaged.

Ms King said she appreciated how all participants shared their local knowledge and experiences.

“We finished the meeting with a greater understanding of the issues and needs in our community,” she said. “The dedication of those people working at the frontline in the community is evident in their commitment and care in dealing with people affected by crime and in seeking to prevent it.”

Ms O’Neil said her trip west had been productive.

“The most important thing for us is really listening to these communities to understand what their issues are, how they are experiencing crime and what they need to feel and be safer,” she said.

“The whole point of the crime and justice taskforce is recognising the good ideas don’t come out of Canberra — they come out of the local communities and we have to hear what people think.”