Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare MP and Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour have today condemned the decision by the Abbott Government to take back about half a million dollars that had been granted to Bankstown City Council to expand its closed circuit camera system.
Under the previous Labor Government $477,800 was allocated from the National Crime Prevention Fund to install new CCTV and pan–tilt–zoom cameras and to upgrade existing lighting across the Bankstown council area.
“We have a high level of crime in Bankstown. Tony Abbott should be investing more money to fight crime not ripping it away.
“This just shows that Tony Abbott doesn’t get it.
“By cutting this money this will mean more crime on the streets of Bankstown,” Mr Clare said.
Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said, “CCTV surveillance and security lighting are very effective and important in our fight against crime and quite often are only possible with the help of federal grants.
“Without this funding, we are left with a very real possibility that the safety of our residents will be compromised especially around areas and facilities targeted by criminals and vandals.
“It’s appalling that the Federal Government is so dismissive of the community’s safety, evident in the withdrawal of this funding,” Mr Asfour said.
Media Contact: JAMIE WASSEF 02 9790 2466
