The final report from an inquiry into community safety in regional and rural New South Wales (NSW). The interim report focussed on the drivers of youth crime. As well as considering new evidence relating to issues canvassed in the interim report, this report mainly focusses on issues related to policing, young people’s experiences of the justice system in NSW and legislative frameworks.

The report makes several recommendations aimed at addressing issues raised by stakeholders regarding the youth justice system. Stakeholders highlighted the need for targeted interventions for young people involved in reckless and highly dangerous driving offences; bail accommodation in certain regional communities; and improved pre- and post-release support for young people in youth justice custody. 

Report structure

• Chapter 1 outlines the Committee's interim report and the NSW Government's response.
• Chapter 2 focuses on the critical role of community services in preventing and responding to ongoing challenges associated with youth crime. 
• Chapter 3 outlines the key issues affecting police in regional and rural communities.
• Chapter 4 focuses on young people’s experiences of the criminal justice system.
• Chapter 5 looks at recent legislative changes, including those implemented following an independent review of the operation of doli incapax in NSW. It also discusses the evidence the Committee received about amendments to the Bail Act 2013.

Key findings

• There is a need for targeted interventions aimed at parents and very young children, as early support helps prevent challenges from escalating.
• Attracting and retaining police officers in regional and rural communities remains a significant challenge.
• Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers perform an important role in establishing connections and supporting positive relationships between police and Aboriginal people.
• Police are often called to deal with prisoner transfers, mental health incidents and truancy, but these matters would be more appropriately managed by other organisations or agencies.
• Stakeholders generally agreed that diversion is a more appropriate and effective response to youth offending than formal criminal justice system processes.