28 November, 2016 | State News
[mp_row]
[mp_span col=”3″]
[mp_image id=”1743″ size=”large” link_type=”custom_url” link=”#” target=”false” caption=”false” align=”left”]
[/mp_span]
[mp_span col=”9″]
[mp_text]
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, has welcomed the announcement that new Plain English Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO) will roll out statewide on 3 December so perpetrators have no excuses for not understanding the orders.
“These new ADVOs use clear and simple language so there is no excuse for a domestic violence perpetrator to breach an order.”, Mr Provest said.
“We have removed all the complex legal jargon and spelled out a defendant’s obligations in Plain English, so they can no longer claim they didn’t understand the meaning or consequences of the ADVO.”
“The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that one in five ADVOs are breached, and the NSW Government is making it clear – any breach is an unacceptable risk.”
“The new ADVOs are designed to put a stop to violence, intimidation and harassment through a clear explanation of what a perpetrator can and cannot do under the order.”
The new ADVO is also being translated into 29 different languages to assist people whose first language is not English.
In addition, the penalties for breaching an order, including up to two years in prison, have been moved to the top of the document so it’s now the first thing perpetrators see.
Chief Executive Officer of White Ribbon Australia, Libby Davies, welcomed the introduction of Plain English ADVOs as a critical step to strengthen the safety of women.
“ADVOs are powerful tools but must be easily accessible and understood to ensure they are effective. We commend the NSW Government on this initiative,” Ms Davies said.
In addition, the NSW Government’s recent changes to ADVOs means final ADVO applications can be determined even if the victim doesn’t come to court, they will protect a victim’s current partner if they are being harassed by the victim’s ex-partner, and will stop self-represented defendants from personally cross-examining child witnesses during ADVO applications.
[/mp_text]
[/mp_span]
[/mp_row]
1 August, 2016 | National News
National Missing Persons Week – first week in August
One person goes missing every 15 minutes in Australia, more than 35,000 people are reported missing each year, and more than 2,000 people are currently listed as a long-term missing person.
It is a common myth in the community that people have to wait 24 hours to report a person as missing—this is not the case. Report your concerns to police immediately.
Most people reported missing to police are located within a short period of time. Of those reported, more than 95 per cent are located within one week and 99.5 per cent of all missing persons are eventually located. While the majority of those reported are located, a significant number of people, approximately 1600, remain missing long-term (for more than three months).
Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background, may become a missing person; however, adults are more likely to be listed as long-term missing persons.
For more information, and to view profiles of missing persons in Australia, visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
4 August, 2015 | National News
Tweed Heads Geoff Provest MP and Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant MP
Do you have concerns for a friend or relatives well-being?? Have they not been home or in contact??
Every year more than 35,000 people are reported missing across the country – with around 12,500 in NSW. This equates to one person disappearing every 15 minutes.
National Missing Persons Week runs from 2-8 August and aims to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
While the majority of people are located within a short period, there are approximately 650 long-term missing person cases in NSW. Research indicates for every person who goes missing, on average 12 people are affected in some way.
We must look out for one another and identify signs that someone isn’t coping and recognise if behaviour is out of character – help is just a phone call away.
If you have concerns for a family, friend, neighbour or colleague I urge you to follow your instincts and report to the police.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant stressed there is no minimum time frame to wait before contacting NSW Police with a missing persons report.
“If you have fears for the welfare of a loved one I urge you to come forward so the NSW Police Force can assist as soon as possible,” Mr Grant said.
“I thank the NSW Police Force who work tirelessly with communities across the State following leads and supporting and reuniting families.”
Friends and family members of those missing a loved one can get support from the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit (FFMPU).
The unit does an incredible job supporting families and friends as they deal with the challenges of not knowing what has happened to a missing loved one.
The FFMPU is part of the Department of Justice and is the only service in Australia to provide specialist counselling and support for missing a loved one.
For more information on National Missing Persons Week go to: www.missingpersons.gov.au To find out about the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit go to www.missingpersons.justice.nsw.gov.au
14 October, 2014 | State News
New traffic crash reporting requirements in NSW
From Wednesday 15 October 2014 police will only be required to attend and investigate crashes if they meet one or more of three criteria:
- Where a person is killed or injured;
- Parties fail to exchange particulars;
- A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drivers involved in traffic crashes where their vehicle needs to be towed (when none of the above criteria apply) can now organise their own tow, leave the area and later report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
In addition drivers will no longer need to report minor collisions to police even for insurance purposes.
The new streamlined process is part of a red-tape reduction initiative to better manage crashes on NSW roads.
More information can be found in the NSW Police media release.
8 October, 2014 | State News
NSW Police are urging motorists to familiarise themselves with changes to the way traffic crashes are reported in NSW as they come into effect next week on Wednesday 15 October 2014.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F67urA2u3p8]
Radio advertisements notifying the changes have started on both Sydney and Regional AM and FM stations, which aim to reach drivers on their daily commute to and from work and home.
The new streamlined process – which starts next Wednesday (15 October 2014) – is part of a red-tape reduction initiative to better manage crashes on NSW roads.
From Wednesday 15 October 2014, police will only be required to attend and investigate crashes if they meet one or more of three criteria:
- Where a person is killed or injured;
- Parties fail to exchange particulars;
- A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drivers involved in traffic crashes where their vehicle needs to be towed – and none of the above criteria apply – can now organise their own tow and leave the area, and later report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
In addition, drivers will no longer need to report minor collisions to police, even for insurance purposes.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, urged motorists to become familiar with the changes.
“With only one week to go until the changes come into effect, we are strongly urging all motorists to go online to our website and learn what to do in a crash situation – and download an informative ‘flow-chart’ flyer.
“Drivers may no longer need to wait for police in a tow-away only crash and will not need to report minor collisions for insurance purposes where no vehicles are towed.
“We are also reaching out to drivers in their vehicles through radio advertisements, as they travel to and from work and home, ensuring the message is getting out there to all motorists.
“The new streamlined process is about cutting back red tape and diverting police resources into broader road safety initiatives and other investigations,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
Police will also attend to direct traffic and deal with hazards or debris on the road, as well as assist with the tow of heavy vehicles.
Currently they attend and investigate where a person is killed or injured; parties fail to exchange particulars; a driver is under the influence; or, a vehicle involved requires towing from the scene.
In such instances if a vehicle requires towing from the scene and no one is injured or under the influence, and all parties exchange details:
- Motorists should organise their own tow and have their vehicle removed from the scene as quickly and safely as possible.
- Once this has occurred they should report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
NB. If motorists exhaust all other options to have their vehicles towed, the Police Assistance Line will be able to provide further guidance and assistance.
* Also, from Wednesday 15 October 2014, reports of ‘minor’ traffic crashes – where vehicles do not require towing – will no longer be recorded by police. Police event numbers will not be issued for these incidents.
A ‘flowchart’ with step-by-step instructions on what to do in a crash will be sent to motorists with registration renewals, which can be kept in the glove box.
For further detailed information, please visit: www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/road_safety
