Damon Locantro has made a name for himself on the Sunshine Coast defending people charged with breaking the law. His practice, Locantro Lawyers, specialises in criminal defence but also offers services to those facing action by a government department. Damon has 15 years experience in criminal law and was formerly a NSW prosecutor and member of the NSW Police Service. Where do council candidates stand on law and order?
| Damon Locantro
I have been reading the Daily's coverage of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council elections, including the profiles of each division, and have also been listening to candidates’ advertising.
From what I have read and heard, there does not seem to be too much in the way of discussion or policy promises relating to issues concerning law and order.
I would like to hear more from the candidates on these issues.
In particular, what do they see as the key issues?
How can their plans resolve these issues and what resources would they allocate to them?
From comments posted on this website, it is clear that matters of law and order are a major concern for residents of the Sunshine Coast, and I invite the candidates to use this blog as their forum on the issue.
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Recent Comments
Perhaps the question should be, what are our local State and Federal politicians going to do about Law and Order.
It is good to read that you are again interested in matters pertaining to law and order and not promoting a boxing training camp.
However, I am a little disappointed as you lack total original thought.
You fail to put your own ideas forward and ask the candidates for their ideas so late into the election.
The election is this Saturday! Candidates will struggle to respond in such a short amount of time.
I would have hoped that an experienced local Solicitor would have had ample time to deliberate on what issues are important for the Sunshine Coast in the areas of law and order.
Many people on the Sunshine Coast cannot afford a Solicitor and represent themselves in courtrooms trying to get their heads around phrases and terminology they have no idea about?
As a former Solicitor may I suggest you highlight the good work done by the volunteers at the Sunshine Coast Community Legal Centre?
You could ask the candidates whether they would look into providing extra funding for a service that struggles to pay a full-time manager to field calls from those who cannot afford the services of a Solicitor like yourself, who I assume, seeks payment from their clients upfront before they appear in court?
I look forward to your response and the response of the local candidates.
While it is true that law and order is a State issue, that doesn't mean that Local Government can't have some impact.
One example was the "Ranger Pat" program, which was a great initiative that worked well because Pat Quinn gained much respect and trust from Police and young people alike.
My daughter, who is now 26, had a great respect for Ranger Pat and even today, still talks about the times Pat would sit down with her peer group and chat with them at their level to get his message through... something the police were never really in a position to do.
As I said... just one example of what can be achieved at a Council level.
Jeff Watson
Candidate for Division 8
"Power to the People"
www.jeffwatson.com.au
I do agree with Mirage though, the subject could have been raised when the elections were introduced rather than now at the eleventh hour.
However, here's some posers for our future Mayor and Council members:
- will you attend your electorate/divisional neighbourhood watch meetings and actually provide feedback in relation to improvements regarding road, pedestrian and general community safety matters?
- will you meet on at least a monthly basis with the heirachy of the Sunshine Coast police, liquor licencing persons and other interested parties?
- will you conduct an environmental scan in relation to 'likely' sites regarding assaults, road rage, speeding, fatalities and other trauma so that consideration can be given to the installation of lighting, cameras or youth assistance centres (instead of waiting just for schoolies)?
- will you promise to abide by the law yourselves and be truthful to your electorate (unlike some in the State government who are given a slap on the wrist for offences)?
- will you consider the return of Ranger Pat (not that I know alot about the man but the feedback over the years has primarily been positive)?
- if we are, as citizens, feeling downtrodden by the Council, shat upon or just have a gripe regarding grass in the parks not being mowed, will you listen and do something?
There is so much more. And whilst common sense tells us that you have no magic wand to insist that the State Govt supply us with more police, better roads etc etc (lets throw in cheaper petrol and interest rates there) will you honour your duty of care towards those that believed enough in you to place you in an office to do a job and not just warm the seat? I pray so...
Danny McGuire