Page 1114 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 3 May 2006
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MR SPEAKER: Can I hear the question again, please, Mr Gentleman?
MR GENTLEMAN: The question is: in the light of the comments made this morning by the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mr Mick Keelty in relation to the number of police officers in the ACT and the decision to introduce black box recorders in ACT Policing vehicles, can the minister advise a response to those matters announced?
Mrs Dunne: That’s not what you said before.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Just put the question again. If it can be done without interjection, it is easier for me to make a decision on it as well.
MR GENTLEMAN: In the light of the comments made this morning by the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mr Mick Keelty in relation to the number of police officers in the ACT and the decision to introduce black box recorders in ACT Policing vehicles, can the minister advise the Assembly of the government’s response to these matters?
MR SPEAKER: And your standing order, Mrs Dunne, was in relation to 117 (c)?
Mrs Dunne: In relation to announcing government policy.
MR SPEAKER: I do not think he is asking the minister to announce government policy.
MR CORBELL: Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank Mr Gentleman for the question. Both of these issues are of significant importance to the government and to the broader community, and I would like at the outset to outline very clearly that both I, as the minister, and the government as a whole consider the relationship between ACT Policing and the Canberra community and its government to be a vital one. Good community policing cannot exist without a healthy regard for the respective roles and responsibilities of each of the parties.
As minister responsible to the community for the provision of policing services, I believe I have a responsibility and an expectation to be made aware of important developments in the provision of policing services to our community. I also believe I have a reasonable expectation to seek advice from the police on issues that deal with resourcing for police services and to do so in an environment that allows the government to make considered and informed decisions. These are the expectations I have already outlined to the Chief Police Officer shortly after my appointment as the responsible minister. I have also clearly indicated to the Chief Police Officer that, as minister, I will not involve myself with matters that are operational in nature and that clearly need to occur at arm’s length from the government.
In relation to the matter of new black box recorders for ACT Policing vehicles, I regret that I am unable to advise the Assembly of the government’s considered view on this initiative, although on the face of it it would appear to be a sensible proposal. The reason for this is that I, and the government as a whole, have not received any advice from the
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