James Roberts’ four-year-old son was fortunately found by pedestrians near his home, the same morning, on August 20. But Mr Roberts said the response by police was not good enough, after the family woke at 6.15am and noticed the youngster was gone. 

“I thought the worst had happened,” Mr Roberts said.

“He’s got autism and that was playing through our heads when we couldn’t find him.”

Mr Roberts called Port Macquarie Police Station numerous times from 6.30am, but the line rang out. Eventually he got through at 6.45am.

Inspector Paul Fuller said the job was logged at 6.54am, and police were informed within 10 minutes the boy had been found shortly after via two phone calls from a William Street resident.

The first call said the boy was safe and well, and the second said he’d been reunited with family.

Mr Roberts said his son was found across the road from Town Beach, but police did not telephone him. 

Police said they met Mr Roberts about 7.20am on Church St, but he said it was closer to 7.45am.

He said the two officers were dismissive of his concerns, and did not seem worried about his son.

“They were generally ignorant of the situation and what they could have been doing to help.

“They just wanted to ask our names, and then told us to take him to hospital.

“It’s just frustrating because, to me, kids are number one and that’s the way it should be.” 

Inspector Fuller said proper procedures were followed during and after the search.

“Per NSW Police Force policy, police attended shortly after the child had been found,” Inspector Fuller said.

“They spoke with child and his parents, and noted the child appeared healthy and was not traumatised.”

Mr Roberts said he hoped Commissioner Scipione was able to help stop other families from experiencing such terrifying anxiety.

“I’ve complained about the time it took for them to contact me, how I was addressed and how my son was treated,” he said. “This kind of thing just isn’t right.”