A local Liberal candidate is calling for a crackdown on youth crime and more investment in early intervention in the Hunter.
Paterson Candidate Brooke Vitnell launched the new campaign on Tuesday morning.
It comes just days after two teenagers were arrested and charged with allegedly burning down two buildings at Irrawang Public School on the weekend.
Ms Vitnell says something needs to be done.
“I’ll be fighting for crime-alleviating capital infrastructure for our region, through Safer Communities funding,” Ms Vitnell said.
“And also funding for early intervention projects to work in conjunction with local organisations across the Hunter community.”
Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has echoed the calls.
She says it’s important to nip these issues in the bud.
“Brooke and I have spent some time this morning wandering around and talking to small businesses, and in particular what they would like to see, by way of the better infrastructure, so that their businesses are kept safe,” Ms Cash said.
“Whether it’s CCTV, whether it’s bollards being put up, whether it’s lighting.
“It’s all about Brooke, working on the ground with the communities, to then put in that application to the fund.”