IN late March Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell announced plans for a crime crackdown across Port Stephens, Maitland, Rutherford and the Hunter.

Ms Vitnell’s plan outlined steps to see crime rates reduced across the community.

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“I believe the Federal Government can and should take a leadership role in crime reduction and it starts with having a federal representative willing to tackle this issue for the protection of our community,” Ms Vitnell said.

“Local residents should feel safe and secure in our community.

“Many people have raised concerns with me about an increase in local crime including break-ins, property damage, stolen and burnt-out vehicles and theft.”

Ms Vitnell said her ‘crime crackdown’ will include the funding of CCTV infrastructure across areas of concern in the region; and a comprehensive plan to combat anti-social behaviour, working in conjunction with local organisations funded by the Early Intervention Grant from the Safer Communities Grants Program.

“I look forward to working with Port Stephens Council, the local area command, local organisations and community groups on how our community best feels we can combat local crime and prevent and protect community infrastructure,” Ms Vitnell said.

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson described Ms Vitnell’s announcement as a “shameful grab for votes”.

“She is running a scare campaign, confusing state and federal issues, and doesn’t understand the way the Safer Communities Grants Program works.”

Ms Swanson said there is no funding available under the Safer Communities Grants Program, with round six of the program having closed in August and a seventh round not yet announced.

Ms Swanson also raised concerns over the original Safer Communities Grants Program.

The Safer Communities Fund was established in 2016 to boost the efforts of local councils and community organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour by funding crime prevention initiatives (such as fixed and mobile CCTV and lighting).

“The program was introduced by the Liberals in 2016 to deliver on their election promises; only 71 targeted organisations were eligible to apply in the first round,” said Ms Swanson.

“An audit of the Safer Communities Fund by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has raised questions about the way funds were distributed and recommended greater transparency and accountability.”

Across the first eight selection processes over five rounds, $184 million in grant funding was awarded.

“According to the ANAO, 699 projects were funded, five applications (worth $1.2 million) assessed as ineligible were approved, 54 percent of funding decisions, covering 60 percent of funding allocated, did not have a clear basis for the decision recorded, and 84 percent of funding awarded to community organisations was to religious organisations.”

Ms Swason said Labor is “committed to protecting our community, not scaring them to win votes”.

“I continue to work with all groups in Paterson to make our community safer, especially with my state colleagues, as crime prevention is essentially a NSW Government responsibility,” said Ms Swanson.