John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House of the excellent work being done by our police officers in my electorate of Bennelong and to welcome Superintendent David Waddell to the area as Ryde's new police area commander. Superintendent Waddell joins our community after his predecessor, Detective Superintendent John Duncan, recently moved to the Eastern Suburbs in May after seven years of excellent service to our community.

Superintendent Waddell has had a long and distinguished career in the New South Wales Police Force, having spent a good period of time working up on the Central Coast. I was very impressed with Superintendent Waddell's proactive approach to fighting crime in the local area by involving community leaders and local businesses to keep an eye out in their local communities and report crime. No doubt, he will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role, and I greatly look forward to working with him in the future.

Additionally, Superintendent Waddell and I discussed the ever-present need to push for affordable housing. The out-of-control prices in our overinflated Sydney housing market have locked out many police officers from owning homes close to their work. As a result, many officers have to spend home time commuting each day. This was another reminder of how important it is for government to take timely and effective policy action to resolve this pressing issue.