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Tuesday April 08 2008, Media Release

NSW ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL WELCOMES STATE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERATION OF REWARD OFFER

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council today welcomed a state government announcement that it is seeking NSW Police Force advice on the appropriateness of offering a reward to stop the alleged sexual abuse of Aboriginal children and youths by truck drivers and other itinerant workers.

NSWALC’s North West region Councillor, Steve Gordon, said the Council has offered to put up $30,000 for a reward and is seeking a matching dollar for dollar contribution from the NSW government.

“We welcome the news from the state Minister for Police, Mr David Campbell, today that he is seeking the advice of the NSW Police Force’s rewards unit as to the appropriateness of offering a financial reward,” Cr Gordon said.

“We firmly believe such a reward would be appropriate given the precedent set by previous state government sponsored rewards.

“NSWALC is putting its money where its mouth is by offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of truck drivers and other mobile workers who are allegedly sexually preying on our children and young people,” Cr Gordon said.

“Our Council last month wrote to Minister Campbell seeking a dollar for dollar match to boost the reward total, which would make it far more likely that people would be prepared to come forward with information.

“NSWALC would very much appreciate a quick response from the government given that the major stumbling block to stamping out these vile crimes is the reluctance of people to come forward.

“We need to break the silence protecting these sexual predators and we need to act now.”

Further information: Paul Molloy (02) 6124 3562 / 0419 690 926