An urgency motion from Cr Bob Ward was used to express Gosford Council’s support for the Brisbane Water Local Area Command in light of comments recently made in NSW parliament about the performance of the local police force.
Councillors voted unanimously to write to Superintendent Danny Sullivan, commander of the Brisbane Water Local Area Command congratulating him and his team on their efforts in combating local crime, and to send a copy to NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione. In speaking for the motion, Cr Ward said although the issue had already received comprehensive media coverage, it was the fi rst time Gosford Council had the opportunity to discuss it. Cr Ward praised Spt Danny Sullivan, and said it was vital that the record was set straight.
Cr Chris Burke also spoke in favour of the urgency motion and commended the local area command, including local police women, “for the work they do putting their lives on the line to maintain our safety and security”. In closing the discussion, Cr Ward said he believed the remarks made in the NSW parliament had undermined the community’s confidence in the local police force. He said it was critical for the public, business owners, employers and employees of the area for that confi dence to be restored. “Law and order is an issue, which is close to the hearts of local residents, business owners and employees alike and is also one of the factors considered by potential new residents to the LGA,” Cr Ward said.
“It’s critically important that confi dence in our local command is maintained and not undermined. “During a recent speech under NSW parliamentary privilege, the Brisbane Water Local Area Command was subjected to substantial criticism, which I believe was unjustifi ed and which could lead to undermining confi dence in the local command. “The record should be set straight. “Contrary to the claims made in Parliament, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research have revealed that the majority of recorded criminal incidents for major offences in the Gosford LGA during the year ended September 30, 2015 have either reduced or remained stable. “These results build on a downward trend over the past four years. “Superintendent Sullivan and his team should be recognised for their efforts in combating local crime,” Cr Ward said.
Agenda item, Mar 8, 2016 UM.1, Gosford Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript, Mar 8, 2016 Jackie Pearson, journalist