Marshall calls for crime action

State Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall has used his first private member’s statement in the NSW Parliament for 2024 to demand action from courts when prosecuting young offenders.

Mr Marshall called for urgent action from the Chief Magistrate of NSW and the Attorney General to ensure magistrates receive stronger support to meet community expectations.

The comments followed an impassioned speech in parliament by Mr Marshall last May for what he has described as a “limp-wristed” response to serious offenders repeatedly put before the courts.

“At the time, I spoke about the tireless efforts of police in the New England district and the supporting authorities who were doing their absolute best, and giving 100 per cent to hold back the tide of criminal activity,” Mr Marshall told the NSW Parliament last week.

“I also highlighted that, despite those efforts, the local judiciary were trying to poke holes, as best they could, in that thick blue wall, allowing a backflow of emboldened juvenile offenders back out into the community, time and again.

“My criticism last year earned me the ire of the local judiciary and others who believe a decision made by an officer of the court is sacrosanct and beyond question or criticism. ‘How dare you,’ was the cry from some quarters.”

Mr Marshall said this “limp-wristed approach” to juvenile offenders only does not serve communities well but also further demoralises the hardworking men and women of the NSW Police Force who are doing their best to keep local streets and communities safe.

Mr Marshall said he had spoken to the victims—countless people—of crimes that include home invasion, car theft, assault, malicious damage, serious driving
offences, robbery and breach of bail conditions.

“One family were horrified to see footage circulating on social media of a number of masked juvenile offenders inside their home, standing around and filming their five-year-old child asleep in their bed,” he said.

“When those offenders are arrested by police—they invariably are arrested incredibly quickly, and I praise the police for that—and charged and put before the courts, we see a lot of decisions that are not in line with what the community expects.”

Mr Marshall detailed specific incidences where repeat offenders had been granted bail and allowed to return to the community.

“The relentless revolving door at Inverell and Moree courthouses has not been helpful in reducing criminal activity. Indeed, it has had the opposite effect,” he said.

“I will continue to push for reform and speak up on behalf of the community to get the changes we need to keep us safe.”