Neighbourhood Watch Left To Sink Or Swim

Wayne Berry - Member for Ginninderra

Media Statement - 15 February 2001

Neighbourhood Watch has been left to sink or swim by the Humphries Government, Ginninderra Labor MLA Wayne Berry said today.

Mr Berry was responding to the announcement of the ACT draft budget in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

"Neighbourhood Watch sponsor Tattersalls has halved its sponsorship and the ACT Government has so far ignored a plea for funding of a meagre $15,000," Mr Berry said.

"Neighbourhood Watch has for years performed a valued service to the community providing security and advice for many householders. This service has been an invaluable assistance to police in a period when burglaries have risen by 47%.

"It is hard to reconcile the admission by the Minister responsible, Mr Smyth, that Neighbourhood Watch plays an important role in crime prevention when the government has failed to respond to Neighbourhood Watch's plea for funds," Mr Berry concluded.