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The Hon. JOHN JOBLING: My question is to the Minister for Police. Is he aware of a statement by Assistant Commissioner Terry Collins, who just happens to be the Hunter Regional Commander, condemning Cessnock City Council as "ludicrous" for passing a motion in August which resulted in a vote of no-confidence being conveyed to the upper echelons of the New South Wales Police Service in relation to the direction of policing in New South Wales as a result of their policies and procedures? Since becoming the Minister for Police, and given that he is a resident of Cessnock, as I understand it, has he personally conveyed to Assistant Commissioner Collins his response as the Minister for Police to the council's position, and is it in line with that of Assistant Commissioner Collins?
The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: I am very pleased that the Hon. John Jobling has asked me the question because I was fortunate enough last Saturday to speak to local police and the local mayor about community concerns in Cessnock. I have made arrangements to speak to the council about its issue. I am sure that if there are problems, we will be able to resolve those problems to the satisfaction of the community.