Anthony Roberts
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
A sharp decline in police numbers across NSW has sparked criticism from Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts.
Recently reported public sector data has shown there are now just 176 police officers for every 100,000 people in New South Wales, down from 205 in 2019, despite the state’s population continuing to grow.
Mr Roberts said the figures confirm what many communities are already feeling: fewer police on the beat at a time when gang crime and community safety concerns are rising.
“Families across New South Wales are increasingly worried about crime in their communities, the last thing NSW should be seeing is fewer police on the streets,” Mr Roberts said.
“Day after day families are reading news of gang-related violence and organised crime activity in their suburbs, with a shooting in Lidcombe just this morning. Under the Minns Labor Government, community safety continues to be an afterthought.”
“Police are already under immense pressure. When the force is understaffed, it means longer response times, greater strain on officers and fewer police available to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
Mr Roberts said community safety should always be the first responsibility of any government.
“It’s time the Minns Labor Government fronts up and answers how it will restore police numbers,” Mr Roberts said.
“New South Wales deserves a police force that is properly resourced, properly supported and large enough to meet the challenges our communities face. They are currently not getting this under a Labor Government.”