From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

TO posit Ballarat is less safe, or more dangerous, than other locations in Australia would be an overstatement — a serious misnomer. The challenges of ‘wicked problems’ are universal, conspicuously, the storming of the Washinton’s Capitol building.

Ballarat’s Little Bridge Street shopping precinct has become a haven for a small, recalcitrant group of anti-social troublemakers. They persist, despite the police patrolling, in creating a nuisance. Their behaviour has become threatening, even criminal. It cannot be allowed to continue.

The November 27 Ballarat Neighbourhood Policing Forum is an opportunity for concerned members of the public, various of the stakeholders, and interested parties, to meet with senior police, and to join in an amicable exchange of ideas aimed at solving the cumulative challenges; to examine current crime trends and prevention, family violence, road policing, and drug related crime. Also, it is an opportunity for the police to present and explain the application of a range of meaningful methodologies and protocols. The required result will only be achieved with a collaborative effort.

Ballarat police Inspector Jason Templar said: “We cannot arrest our way out of this situation.” The police can only work within the strictures of the law. The instinct to complain and apportion blame does nothing to advance the communal narrative, or progress the process. The confronting challenges are collective. A satisfactory result can only be achieved by combining of our formidable energies. Resolution requires a concerted effort on the part of all those affected. We should be able to move around the city, at any time of day-or-night, freely, and without let or hinderance. Regrettably, it is no longer the way of the world. The perpetrators lack of regard for, or ignorance of, social conventions must not be allowed to deprive us of our liberties, or enjoyment.

Social prophylaxis will never provide a solution. To turn away from the challenges, in expectation of someone else tackling the task, only serves to embolden the offenders. The silent majority must rule. Those who are creating a public nuisance must be forced to see reason.

While civil libertarians bridle at specific categorisations, it is time to dispense with euphemisms. Recalcitrant, juvenile delinquency, and environmental antisocial behaviour, comes at a personal price. We should not be without understanding. Axiomatically, many offenders are victims of dire circumstances and ill-conceived protocols and legislation; however, societal and familial troubles notwithstanding, those who blatantly flout the law and its principles must be called to account. They are not oblivious to their capacity to generate fear. Too often the aggregate favours the offender. With sensitivity, everyone of capability must be held responsible for their own lives, and actions. It is counterproductive to abrogate cause and reason without offering a resolution.

The wicked problems are too consuming for cavalier decisions. The notion of lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14 is madness. However reduced the circumstances, and cognisant of the disparity in maturation rates, the majority at that age are capable of differentiating between right and wrong. Police are hamstrung, and too often the offenders bask in the impotence of law and its application.

The future of the Little Bridge Street bus hub demands discussion. Currently, it provides a central location for those who are intent on congregating with a view to creating chaos for transport travellers and shoppers. Attend the forum and be part of the solution!

Ballarat Forum: November 27, 5:30pm GovHub, 101 Armstrong Street North.

Moorabool Forum: November 26, 10am Bacchus Marsh Hall, 207 Main Street.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL: Google: Eventbrite.com Police Forum TICKETS AND REFRESHMENTS ARE COMPLIMENTARY. Contact: [email protected]