Tuesday, May 07, 2002
POLICE COMMISISONER CANDIDATES, CABRAMATTA - OPEN INVITATION

Candidates for NSW Police’s top job have been given an open invitation to visit Cabramatta, the suburb that has been the stumbling block for previous Police Commissioners and Ministers.

Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo believes the candidate that outlines a workable plan for Cabramatta would greatly increase their chance of winning the NSW Police Commissioner’s job.

"I would be delighted to take each candidate around Cabramatta and discuss the key issues for our community" said Cr Ngo.

"You can’t hope to make inroads in Cabramatta without visiting our unique area and speaking to local residents and businesses. It was a mistake by others to think they could".

Cabramatta has been one of the first areas visited by the newly appointed Police Minister Michael Costa and opposition leader, John Brogden.

"Importantly, Cabramatta’s policing problem is no longer seen as a problem for locals, but is a reflection on the ability of Police to deal with crime in NSW" said Cr Ngo.

"I’ve extended the invitation, if the would be Police Commissioners wants to develop a first had understanding of Cabramatta, I am willing and able to introduce them to our community anytime" .

Cr Ngo was the lobbyist for the recent NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into policing in NSW.

Cr Ngo has recently returned from a seven week Churchill Trust Fellowship around the world studying ways to improve police and ethnic community relationship. He is currently preparing a report on the subject and is expected to make it public next week.