Official opening of the $23m Bega Police Station

Official opening of the $23m Bega Police Station.

Transcript

00:00Music

00:11This is a momentous day for the community of Bega and the South Coast Police District.

00:16The opening of this new police station is not only a continuation of our proud history of serving the people of New South Wales,

00:23but also a clear commitment to delivering a world-class police force equipped for the future.

00:29A police station is never just a building, it is a cornerstone of the community.

00:34This is especially true in regional or more isolated towns, where independence and resilience define daily life.

00:42In these places, police are not only the guardians of safety, they are neighbours and friends and integral members of the community fabric.

00:50Thank you for working tirelessly to make sure that our communities are safe,

00:55and it's wonderful that you are getting this facility, it's the amenity you deserve.

01:01Pretending everything is perfect.

01:04When we came to government, we inherited a police force that had been stretched thin and far too long on the ground.

01:11Officer numbers were going backwards and communities like yours right here have felt the impact of that.

01:18And I know people here in Bega have been frustrated.

01:22You've been calling for more police on the ground.

01:26And you've been dealing with the real issues.

01:29And you are right to expect that.

01:32That is why, from day one, my focus has been on rebuilding the New South Wales police force.

01:38We're focused on getting more boots on the ground.

01:41And while we're not quite there yet, I want to assure you that things are turning around.

01:47We are seeing some green shoots.

01:50We've delivered a historic pay rise for police.

01:54And we're also paying our recruits in Goulburn.

01:58That means stability, certainty and real incentives for people to choose policing as a career at any stage in life.

02:06We've introduced be a cop in your hometown.

02:09And that sends regional officers back to their hometowns and communities they know best.

02:14So that they can serve where they are most needed.

02:18We've also established the health and safety wellbeing unit.

02:21Because being a cop isn't easy.

02:23And we want every officer to have a long, healthy and rewarding career.

02:28Not burn out and walk away.