The frustration, anger, and demands of regional NSW were heard as the Time for Change petition was debated in the NSW Parliament.
Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the government must now respond to the 22,015 people who signed the petition, calling for change.
"Serious and violent incidents of crime have left many in our community angry and afraid in their own homes," Mr Anderson said.
"I've spoken to many victims of crime who have been attacked in their own homes, left shocked, battered, bruised, and had their most treasured valuables stolen.
"My message to the government was clear - 'enough is enough - it's time for change.' The community demands change, and the Government now has until the 10th of June to respond to the petition and the community's calls for change.
"The community expects that when you do wrong, you will face consequences. We have a right to feel safe in our own homes, and locals have been calling for tougher laws and consequences for actions.
"This is an issue that is affecting regional communities across NSW, and we heard from the members for Northern Tablelands, Clarence, Coffs Harbour, and Central Coast who spoke passionately about the deep concerns in their communities.
"Tamworth's Phebe Furneaux started the Time for Change e-petition and I thank her for travelling to the NSW Parliament to watch the debate alongside Narrabri's Adam McNamara whose brother was tragically killed when he struck by a stolen Ute allegedly driven by a 14-year-old boy.
"The government now has until the 10th of June to respond to the 22,015 people who called for change. Our community's voice is strong, and this petition sends a strong message to the government that we want change."
Nationals' Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, told Parliament "My community of Moree are tired, angry and incredibly frustrated about the issue."
"All of us who are solicitors – and there are many of us – know that the local court is a sausage factory. Let us elevate the voice of victims to give them a better say. It is time for change, so let's do it," Mr Moylan said.
Nationals' Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, said communities all over NSW are waiting for action.
"We cannot idly sit by and let our constituents feel petrified. I know of 85?year?old women living alone in Coraki who lock their doors at 4 o'clock every night because they are too petrified to go outside. Again, I stand with my community in the Clarence. The NSW Nationals stand with our communities in regional New South Wales. We need change and the time for change is now," Mr Williamson said.
Deputy Nationals' Leader and Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said crime is a huge issue that's getting worse and worse.
"This is a systemic issue; it is not isolated to one town. There is a problem with the system and it needs to be changed," Mr Singh said.
