Senators Kerrynne Liddle and Jacinta Price have been visiting our region, concerned about an increase in crime and domestic violence.
Alongside Member for Flinders Sam Telfer, the senators have been engaging with the community in Ceduna and Port Lincoln, hosting two Round Tables in Ceduna on Monday, 22 April, and one in Port Lincoln yesterday, 23 April.
Senator Liddle attributes the rise in crime in regional centres to a lack of access to resources and slow action from the Albanese Government.
“We are in the middle of a domestic and family violence epidemic, Senator Liddle says.
“It is an issue also in regional and remote communities, quite simply because of less services, an issue with confidentiality in smaller communities, issues with places for people to either flee or for people to go and take time out at, and we need to get better at servicing those communities.”
Senator Jacinta Price explains one of the reasons we’ve observed an increase in anti-social behaviour in Ceduna is the removal of the Cashless Debit Card.
“Once it was removed, it was fairly evident to locals on the ground just the impact that it’s had, given that there’s now being suggestions thrown around that there should be alcohol restrictions put in place – I mean, you only go to the next measure if the issues have got worse,” she says.
The Liberal representatives are pushing for the Albanese Government to deliver the 500 frontline workers promised in his election commitment – so far, only one has been delivered in SA and one in the NT.
“Men, women, children, vulnerable people should have had that commitment delivered in a timely, responsive manner,” Senator Liddle says.
Member for Flinders Sam Telfer says local perspectives need to be listened to and acted upon.
“It’s so important that we have people such as Jacinta and Kerrynne in our communities hearing from our community members first-hand about the challenges they’re facing in regional South Australia, Minister Telfer says.
“The people who are dealing with the crime, the domestic violence… issues which are only understood when you hear directly from people that are living with it every single day.”
