Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has welcomed a visit from Police Minister Reece Whitby MLA to Geraldton this week to discuss the region’s rising crime rates and ongoing challenges related to youth justice.
Ms Warr said tackling the surge in crime and improving community safety in Geraldton has been a top priority since her election in March.
“I campaigned strongly on addressing Geraldton’s crime crisis, which saw nearly 10,000 offences last year, a 45 per cent increase since WA Labor took office in 2017,” Ms Warr said.
“Recent incidents have left the community feeling unsettled and unsafe, and I am calling on the Cook Labor Government to renew its focus on addressing the rising crime rates in Geraldton.”
As her first act after being elected, Ms Warr reached out to the Police Minister, inviting him to Geraldton to meet with local leaders and business owners to gain a firsthand understanding of the region’s crime issues.
“I thank the Minister for accepting my invitation and taking the time to meet with me and key local stakeholders,” Ms Warr said.
“This included attending a meeting of the Greater Geraldton Crime Prevention Committee, which brings together City councillors, WA Police, the Department of Justice, and other community representatives.
“It’s encouraging the Minister was willing to come to Geraldton and listen to our concerns. I hope he will return soon, as we would welcome additional funding to tackle crime and youth justice in the community.”
Ms Warr said she was committed to working with all sides of politics, Government agencies, and the community to achieve the best outcomes for Geraldton families and businesses.
“This was an important issue to demonstrate to Geraldton residents that I am serious about addressing crime in our community, and while I may not sit at the Government table, I am able to work in a bipartisan way to achieve outcomes for the electorate.”
During discussions with the Minister, Ms Warr called for more permanent police officers to be based in Geraldton.
“While Operation Regional Shield has been a good start, feedback from local police and the community is clear – increasing the number of officers on the ground is the most effective way to stay ahead of crime,” Ms Warr said.
“With nearly 800 new officers recruited by WA Police last year, I have urged the Minister to consider deploying some of these officers to Geraldton to strengthen our local police force.
“The Minister indicated he was keen to deploy additional police to the region, however, a lack of appropriate housing was a roadblock.
“I am pleased the Police Minister has indicated he would take this matter up directly with the Minister for Housing and Works and I am hopeful a solution can be found,” Ms Warr said