Country Mayors given good news on crime, RFS

Published on 12 August 2025

The New South Wales Government, the Police Force and the Judiciary were represented at a Crime focused general meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA), which took place in Parliament House, Sydney last Friday. Over 120 Mayors and General Managers came together to hear from a top line-up of speakers talking crime and also some key matters of finance, concerning for rural, remote and regional councils.

“We welcomed the encouraging comments from NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC about his work with the NSW Auditor-General Mr Bola Oyetunji and Emergency Services Minister the Hon Jihad Dib MP regarding the Red Fleet issue – the term for the NSW Government requiring Rural Fire Service assets to be on Councils’ books and pay for ongoing maintenance is seriously impacting our bottom lines. Our Treasurer said that CMA Members can be optimistic about RFS legislation reform and I don’t believe he would offer false hopes after years of lobbying on the issue,” CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said.

Deputy CMA Chairman and Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick described the Red Fleet issue as one of the worst and most inexplicable examples of cost-shifting inflicted upon NSW Councils.

The NSW Treasurer also cautioned that in its’ current form, the Workers’ Compensation Scheme is unsustainable. “Without reform, we will see premiums increase by 36 percent,” he said.

NSW Police Minister, the Hon. Yasmin Catley MP said that reducing community crime is about partnership. “State and Local Government must work together, in partnership with First Nations people and the broader community to improve safety in the community and address local challenges. Prevention is fundamental to crime reduction.”

Minister Catley and NSW Police Force Acting Deputy Commissioner Brett Greentree provided a data packed progress report on “Operation Soteria”, which has a regional youth focus, particularly in northern and western NSW. So far they have addressed 340 break and enters; 137 juveniles were charged, with 34% of them already charged or on bail at the time; and 92 offenders have copped 'Boast and Post' charges.

“Everyone in rural, remote and regional NSW has the right to feel safe in their community,” Minister Catley said.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Greentree said that it is important to communicate with communities to instill confidence.  “Everyone needs to spread the good word and highly publicise positive outcomes because fear of crime impacts quality of life.”

The Acting Deputy Commissioner gave an update on regional crime trends. Robbery is down by 8%, Steal from Motor vehicle is down 11%, Break and enter is down 4%, Sexual assault and drug related crime is stable, with increase in Motor Vehicle theft up 3.3%, Domestic Violence related crime up 4%, breach of bail up 12.3% (resulting from targeted operations).

NSW Shadow Police Minister, The Hon. Paul Toole MP stated there are less Police 'boots on the ground' than when he was in Government. Minister Catley said more police are needed and recruitment initiatives, like ‘Be a cop in your hometown' are seeing positive results.

“We have had over 4,600 recruit applications over last 18 months. Improved workforce benefits have contributed to recruitment and retention outcomes, including a once in a generation pay rise, and the move to flexible working hours (FTE model) and opportunity to job share,” Minister Catley said.

The need to increase police numbers in peak holiday times in tourist towns was one local insight conveyed to the Police Minister on the day, by a CMA Member Council

Chief Magistrate of NSW, His Honour Judge Michael Allen provided an understanding of his role, work and regional NSW background. He said that NSW is fortunate to have an independent judiciary, enforcing the laws created by Parliament. “Our busy Local Court system has 48 magistrates servicing 109 courts across NSW. A Country Service policy is to be implemented, meaning no more FIFO. Ideally, a magistrate should have at least two years in the bush so they understand country communities. Our magistrates handle 45,000 bail applications annually. There are 80,000 domestic violence matters before our courts annually – it is the scourge of Australia,” he said.

Mayor Firman said the meeting had far from a cheesy finish. “We were also delighted to have the Chairman of Bega Cheese, Mr Barry Irvin AM speak on the development of a full circular economy in the Bega Valley and the rewarding buy-back of Aussie brands his company has achieved, from Vegemite to Farmers Union Yoghurt.”

Two CMA members gave presentations that demonstrate the proactive roles of Councils. Warrumbungle Shire Council tackled illegal tobacco products and premises. They employed an investigator, worked with Police and achieved a successful prosecution. Upper Hunter Shire Council saw a positive driver training program in Sydney, recognised a need for a tailored version in their Local Government Area and made it happen.

“The CMA Board are extremely proud we were able to offer such a strong list of special guest speakers - we feel there's a genuine signal of respect shown to the CMA - we're working hard to ensure we continue to earn it,” said Mayor Firman. “We'd like to think the Government and others are listening to and learning from us. We're also doing the same.”

Substantially greater crime rates in regional than metropolitan NSW and CMA lobbying contributed to the NSW Government establishing the regional crime Inquiry in March 2024 entitled:

Community safety in regional and rural communities

Almost 200 submissions were received. The 147-page interim report from the Inquiry includes 19 recommendations. The Government response to the Interim Report is due on 29 November 2025. 

Caption: CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM and NSW Police Minister the Hon Yasmin Catley MP on stage before over 120 country Mayors and General Managers.

Contacts:
Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman: 0429 204 060 
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick, Deputy Chairman: 0400 956 388
Mr Gary Fry, CMA Secretariat, Mobile: 0427 008 572   
Email: admin@nswcountrymayors.com.au