Page 495 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 21 February 2018
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Crime—robbery
MRS JONES: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The most recent annual report of ACT Policing showed that robbery increased by 53.3 per cent in 2016-17 from the previous year. This includes an increase of 27.4 per cent in armed robbery. This comes as ACT Policing funding has not kept pace with inflation or population growth. Minister, why has the government seen robberies increase by over 50 per cent in 12 months?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mrs Jones for her question on ACT Policing. ACT Policing continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the ACT community, with the report that she mentioned showing that Canberra has the highest levels of satisfaction with police services and the integrity of our police. ACT police recorded the lowest number of complaints from the public compared to other states, and the ACT is below the national average for road deaths, homicides and related offences, sexual assault, and unlawful entry with intent involving the taking of property.
The report also revealed that the vast majority of the ACT community feel safe at home, in their neighbourhood and on public transport. These results that Mrs Jones has indicated demonstrate the high level of confidence that our community continue to have in ACT police, and I commend our officers on the service and support that they continue to provide to the ACT.
Mrs Jones: A point of order on relevance.
MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order.
Mrs Jones: As the minister wrapped up his answer, we still did not have an answer as to why there has been an over 50 per cent increase in robberies in 12 months. I do not think the minister has any intention of putting that in, and that is not directly relevant.
MADAM SPEAKER: I ask the minister, in the 40 seconds you have left, to see if you can get to the point of Mrs Jones’s question.
MR GENTLEMAN: As we have mentioned before, crime statistics go up and down. The important part is being able to respond to that, and that is why we have invested more in ACT Policing, and those investments are showing results.
MRS JONES: Minister, what actions have you taken to address the scourge of robberies in Canberra?
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members! The question has been asked and the minister is trying to get to his feet to answer.
MR GENTLEMAN: As I have said, we have invested heavily in ACT Policing in order for them to respond to these crimes.
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