South Australia Police, $1,102,103,000

Administered Items for South Australia Police, $71,000

Membership:

Mr Telfer substituted for Hon. J.A.W. Gardner.

Mr Fulbrook substituted for Mr Brown.

Minister:

Hon. D.R. Cregan, Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Special Minister of State.

Departmental Advisers:

Mr G. Stevens, Commissioner of Police, South Australia Police.

Mr S. Johinke, Executive Director, Business Service, South Australia Police.

Mr B. Cagialis, Director, Finance and Procurement, South Australia Police.

Mr C. Hill, Superintendent, Commissioner's Support Branch, South Australia Police.

The CHAIR: Welcome back, members of the committee. I open up the portfolio of South Australia Police. The minister appearing is the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. I declare the proposed payments open for examination. I invite the minister to make some introductory remarks of up to 10 minutes, if he wishes, and then introduce his advisers. I then invite the member for Flinders to make some remarks or go straight to questions.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I would like to commence with the introduction of the officers I have in the room with me, followed by a brief opening statement. To my left is Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens; to my right is Executive Director, Business Services, Stephen Johinke; also to my left is Director, Finance and Procurement, Bill Cagialis; and to the rear is Commissioner's Support Branch Superintendent Campbell Hill.

As the new Minister for Police, I begin by outlining some key issues of importance to the government, some of which require specific funding, of course, which is contemplated by the budget items now under examination.

SAPOL has implemented many initiatives to recruit police officers. A labour agreement was executed by the Department of Home Affairs on 21 December 2023 allowing SAPOL to recruit experienced police officers from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. As well, of course, activities have been held in New Zealand, and this initiative has been advertised on and from December 2023. I should say in relation to the Northern Hemisphere that as at 31 May 2024, SAPOL has received 283 applications from experienced international police officers.

SAPOL is aiming to commence international recruit training courses early in the new financial year. In March 2024, SAPOL attended recruitment expos in Glasgow, Dublin, Birmingham and London. The expos were successful, with more than 740 officers attending to ask questions about living and working in South Australia.

SAPOL is partnering with Thebarton Senior College in another initiative to deliver a pilot Pathway to Policing program to year 12 students in 2024. A pilot commenced in January 2024 and includes 13 to 15 year 12 students completing five SACE-accredited policing subjects, preparing them for entry into SAPOL's recruitment process. To reach establishment over the next two years, the SAPOL course will need to deliver a blend of up to 11 constable development programs and eight international transition courses. As well, SAPOL will be delivering police security officer courses and development programs over that period. SAPOL has approved to redesign the CDP to deliver a contemporary and generationally relevant training program.

As members present are aware, SAPOL is committed to offering a learning environment that is attractive, flexible and efficient, and this includes efforts to make recruitment more accessible to suitable candidates from regional areas. On 6 to 8 December 2023, SAPOL travelled to Whyalla and piloted the first recruitment assessment centre across three days. This was followed by Mount Gambier and Berri. A team administered recruitment testing, panel interviews and a recruitment information seminar. Barriers are being removed for regionally-based trainees by SAPOL offering cost-of-living allowance and access to Police Academy accommodation.

In September 2023, SAPOL's new You Belong in Blue recruitment marketing campaign was launched. Creatives across social media, print TV and radio platforms showcase SAPOL careers and have been positively received. SAPOL has also increased external engagement efforts through multiple channels to broaden its reach. A mobile recruitment van is now used to enhance presence at career expos, schools and community events. Further, SAPOL has established formal partnerships with external bodies, such as Football SA and Adelaide Footy League to promote policing careers and safer communities at sporting events.

In August and December 2023, SAPOL conducted two professional development days at the Police Academy. These days were designed to engage with career counsellors from over 100 schools to showcase career paths into South Australia Police and, in turn, raise awareness across schools. Attendees received a video to screen in high schools, which was also promoted on social media.

SAPOL has also launched the Discover SAPOL work experience program, with two courses being conducted for metropolitan and regional students. The program targets students in years 10 to 12 who are interested in a policing career. This program will continue throughout the year, with four courses scheduled.

It is also important for me to emphasise to members the work being undertaken through the multiagency domestic violence hub. The multiagency DV hub concept has been an effective service enhancement for victims of domestic violence in South Australia. SAPOL has embedded DV specialist police officers within Women's Safety Services to assist victims of domestic violence. SAPOL has committed to working with Women's Safety Services SA and other agencies and has delivered an extension of this initiative to the northern areas of Adelaide. South Australia Police believes that working with other agencies leads to effective early intervention and prevention.

It is important for me also to emphasise that two police officers are posted to the Northern Multi-Agency Hub, which was launched on 22 May 2024. Their role in the Northern Multi-Agency Hub is to facilitate information-sharing between partner agencies to ensure that an informed and comprehensive response can be provided to victims of domestic violence and their children, and deliver disclosures under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme for northern metropolitan and Barossa regions and facilitate the taking of reports, statements and intervention order applications for referred clients in an effort to ensure that victims have a one-stop shop service so far as can be reasonably achieved.

In addition, police at the Northern Multi-Agency Hub will facilitate referrals to the pilot risk and safety support scheme commencing shortly. The risk and safety support scheme will support victims as needed and help ensure they have access to appropriate safety planning and support for themselves and their children.

I also make some remarks in relation to the Thebarton barracks relocation. South Australia Police is working with the government to relocate 15 business units from Thebarton barracks, providing space for the new Women's and Children's Hospital. The program is significant and requires facilities for STAR Group and police dogs. The relocation project is being overseen by the Treasurer as Chair of the Budget Cabinet Committee subcommittee.

The course of these deliberations are cabinet-in-confidence and details cannot be discussed; however, what I can say is that construction and fit-out works across five sites, including Gepps Cross, West Beach and the Adelaide CBD, accommodating seven business units, is now underway. The Department of Treasury and Finance is the lead agency with the support of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and, of course, South Australia Police. The government is committed to providing alternative accommodation to a suitable standard.

In terms of Closing the Gap, South Australia Police is committed to working with community, government and relevant stakeholders to progress the recommendations from the national Closing the Gap agreement. South Australia Police is represented at executive level on several committees, including the senior officials working group on Closing the Gap. It has also commenced a specific project to develop a First Nations strategy and action plan to further enhance their approach to the Closing the Gap recommendations. SAPOL continues to contribute to the Closing the Gap implementation plan.

With respect to the APY lands implementation project—noting that there are just a number of minutes remaining—the APY lands project has an approved budget of $10.4 million in 2023-24 to construct new police facilities at Fregon, Indulkana and Pipalyatjara. These facilities will be a police post each comprising an office with an interview room, four bedrooms and a living area. They will provide fit-for-purpose facilities for police to regularly visit these communities and remain on site for short periods.

With respect to organisational reform, and noting the remaining time, police security officers play an important role in supporting the frontline. It is important to note that police security officers are now in place as cell guards across four metropolitan police custody facilities, with the result that 45 police have been released from cell duties. This marks the full implementation of stage 1 of that transition project.

As of 31 May 2024, the district support section provided support to frontline policing by undertaking 6,417 tasks, returning over 43,000 work hours to operational police. Stage 2 training is currently being undertaken with respect to that important transition project. Of course, the full implementation of the model is subject to achieving full PSO staffing.

I will make some brief remarks in relation to Operation Measure before we turn to questions. Operation Measure commenced in March 2022 to address and reduce shop theft offences and target recidivist high-value shop theft offenders. The operation has a prevention-first focus and seeks to build collaboration and partnerships between police and retail operators. I am sure that this is a matter that we will explore today.

Operation Paragon, as well, addresses antisocial behaviour, specifically as it relates to alcohol and drug misuse associated with vulnerable persons and rough sleepers within the CBD and its Parklands. I emphasise, too, the work of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, and the South Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, and these are matters, too, that we may examine as part of the budget line items today.

SAPOL's work on road safety needs to be emphasised, and SAPOL should be congratulated on its significant work in this field. As members present know, there were 117 lives lost last year, and this year 42 lives have been lost on our roads. The government's perspective, naturally, is that any life lost is a significant tragedy and has an impact not only on the person's family and their community but also on regional communities as it can rob those communities of a significant volunteer or contributor. It has devastating long-term impacts. I am mindful of our need to turn to the budget items. The time for explanatory remarks being close to expiring, I will turn to the shadow minister, through you, Mr Chair.

The CHAIR: The member for Flinders, the floor is yours.

Mr TELFER: I will not do an extensive opening statement after that extensive one, but can I just thank the police for the work that has been done in the background and for the process that we go through, through estimates. As I have said previously, as we go through this I never criticise the work that officers do on the ground because it is a hard job, and one which I give the utmost respect to those who are involved in it. This process is about dissecting some of the numbers and understanding what the impacts are on the community of South Australia.

We will start with Budget Paper 4, Volume 3, page 178, a logical area to start when we are looking at the breakdown of the FTE component, which is significant. I note that the 2023-24 estimated result is 5,983.9 and budgeted is 6,147.4. How many of the FTEs were/are operational officers? I am happy to work on the 2023-24 numbers rather than try to project the end point of 2024-25.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: It might be useful for me to make some opening remarks in relation to recruitment, and then we can drill down specifically with respect to the matters that the shadow minister wishes to examine. There will be sufficient time for us to ensure that we are—

Mr TELFER: Let's hope so.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: —very closely focused on the matters that the shadow minister is rightly raising. At the outset, I should make the observation that police forces around Australia and, indeed, in comparable jurisdictions are operating in different markets, but it is a characteristic of the markets in which we are operating in Australia that we have full or near to full employment. That is certainly the case in South Australia.

In fact, for the first time in my lifetime we have full employment. That, in and of itself, is to be celebrated, but it does have consequences in terms of other opportunities available for very experienced and capable officers, which, of course, police officers are. They are highly sought after by alternative employers, and the skill set that they develop through the Police Academy training process and the experiences that they are exposed to as part of policing mean that they will continue to be highly sought after.

In terms of the overall recruitment position for this year, it is important for me to update members on the latest available information that I have to hand. I am advised that, in terms of the number of cadets who have been sworn in, at the point at which this note was provided to me, there were 242. At that same time, contemporaneous with that information so that it is a point in time, the number of separations were 226.

In terms of the attrition rate, working from January forward, the rate was 5.7. It fell to 5.3 in February, then to 5.2 in March, in April it was 5.1, in May it was 5.0 and the figure for June is obviously yet to come to hand. There is a calculation that could be performed, but it will not be accurate for June, of course, until the conclusion of the day of assessment.

Mr TELFER: For clarification, are those numbers that you have quoted month by month the proportional amount for that month or—

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Or a rolling total?

Mr TELFER: —is this a rolling number for the financial year? What is the latest number for the end of this financial year that you have at hand at the moment?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Those figures are a rolling figure as against the figure for the previous 12 months, as I am advised. So just for clarity: 5.7, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0. I should also emphasise, in terms of attrition rates, that we are clear-eyed about the challenges that South Australia Police faces with respect to recruitment. I have made some opening remarks in relation to those issues and they reflect the nature of the market.

I should also add—because I referenced jurisdictions more broadly—that, in terms of recruitment, these experiences are not only experiences that are being shared in other Australian jurisdictions but also challenges that are experienced in the United Kingdom, Canada and parts of the United States. With respect to attrition rates overall, South Australia has one of the lowest attrition rates in Australia.

Mr TELFER: Minister, I appreciate the commentary. The question was how many of the FTEs that are in the budget on page 178 are operational officers?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Yes, I very much appreciate us coming to these matters. The important matter to emphasise in terms of attrition is that we believe we are one of the very best in the country. We know, of course, that the Australian Federal Police are doing slightly better there, but we believe that we are one of the best. The Australian Federal Police obviously have a different focus and series of objectives, and operate slightly differently.

In terms of total police, I think it is important for me to indicate that to the member. I think he had indicated that 2023-24 was the figure that he is seeking, which is 4,674. There is a fractional component there as well, but 4,674.20 is the total police FTE cap. It is an approximate figure, because you need to net out obviously cadets being sworn in and those who are separating, but presently, for South Australia Police, we are approximately 160 under the FTE cap. If a single figure was to be used, then you might pick 162.4, but once again we are dealing with humans and so a fractional component is probably not that helpful.

Mr TELFER: For clarification, are you saying that 162.4 is the shortfall in the current versus the budgeted?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: That is the forecast shortfall, but in context it is also important to note that we are 105.0 FTE above the cap for cadets, taking into account the timing of recruitment and courses. For present purposes, in an effort to most accurately address the shadow minister's question, the figure that we would represent, based on advice, is that we are approximately 160 to 165 below the establishment figure; and noting that we are 105.0 above the FTE cap for cadets.

Mr TELFER: Thank you, minister. So the question asked 10 minutes ago was: how many of the FTEs were operational officers? That number is 4,674, to clarify?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised full-time active sworn is 4,674.20. That is the FTE cap. We have just gone through and broken up the budgeted cap, but the advice I have, once again, is that we are approximately 160 to 165 below, as matters stand, noting the figures which are above full cadets, naturally reflecting the additional activity for recruitment.

Mr TELFER: We are 162 below the 4,674—4,512?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think the important thing to emphasise here is that we are offering you a range 160 to 165 because of the way—to assist the shadow minister I am going to turn to the commissioner, but, on the consistent advice I have received, yes, we would want to pick the single figure 162, obviously, which we have offered you, but the more accurate is the range because of the way separations work. Commissioner, I might turn to you.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. I actually think the minister has done a reasonably good job of describing the current status in terms of where we sit against our establishment. We are in the order of about 160 to 165 below where we need to be. With the accelerated recruiting activities that we have in place, particularly with an emphasis on the international recruitment strategy, we are optimistic that we will be able to get back to establishment by the middle of next year.

Mr TELFER: Minister, how many of that number of FTEs are PSOs, police security officers?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The advice I have received is approximately 270, but to break down some of those figures I am going to turn to the commissioner.

Cmmr STEVENS: The current establishment at the end-of-year forecast for police security officers attached to Police Security Services Branch is 140, and our end-of-year forecast is that we will have 129.5 in District Support SEction and in training as a part of our commitment to deliver 189 additional PSOs.

Mr TELFER: To clarify, commissioner, the 140 are currently in place?

Cmmr STEVENS: Currently sworn.

Mr TELFER: 129.5 going through the training at the moment?

Cmmr STEVENS: The training process. By the end of the year it will be 129.5 through training.

Mr TELFER: By the end of?

Cmmr STEVENS: The financial year.

Mr TELFER: 2023-24?

Cmmr STEVENS: 30 June.

Mr TELFER: So that 270 number is the number that within five days would have gone through and completed?

Cmmr STEVENS: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Is that 129.5 the total number of PSO recruits for this financial year? Of the 189, are 129 basically the first step, so there are another 62 recruits within this coming financial year?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I thank the shadow minister for the question. I will turn to the commissioner, but just before we do, in terms of the context of overall police employment figures, it is important to emphasise that PSOs are unsworn.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. Just for further classification, they are classified as unsworn, but they are sworn under the relative legislation. We were budgeted for 69 for this financial year, but we are actually ahead of the game, which gives us the number of 129.5, which leaves a shortfall of 59.5 to achieve the target of 189 additional PSOs as a result of that government commitment.

Mr TELFER: So the 59.5 will be in this coming financial year, 2024-25?

Cmmr STEVENS: That is the target.

Mr TELFER: Minister, what is the current attrition rate for PSOs? It is a number which is of interest to me because last estimates it was higher than I thought.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Just to clarify in terms of overall figures before we come to PSO attrition, in terms of the way we represent figures for total police employment, although, as the commissioner rightly pointed out, PSOs have certain powers under the Police Act, the calculation is performed having them not in the 'sworn' column. Without that observation, there could end up being some confusion in terms of the budget papers, but I want to provide that for the purposes of clarification, but that is quite distinct as to what powers they might be able to exercise.

In answer to the shadow minister's question, the attrition rate is at 18.1 per cent for PSOs. There are a number of observations that would be important to make there. One that I would make at the outset is that quite a number of these PSOs are coming across into the Constable Development Program, and so that can influence what is effectively a transfer to police and therefore a transfer into the 'sworn' column. So, for example, PSO transfers to the Constable Development Program for 2020-21 were 13; for 2021-22 were 19; for 2022-23 were 23; and for 2023-24, noting that the year is not complete for financial year purposes, is presently 21.

Mr TELFER: So the remainder above that are ones who have left?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Through you, Mr Chair, and to the shadow minister's question, I will turn to the commissioner.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. One of our observations is the recruitment of 114 additional PSOs during COVID-19, specifically for medi-hotel related duties, has probably seen an increase in our attrition rate as some of those employees have moved on. That has had an impact on our attrition rate, and, as the minister highlighted, more and more police security officers are seeking to transition into our Constable Development Program.

Mr TELFER: Has the minister made the observation in light of that commentary from the commissioner that there is a change in the expectation of PSOs with the expansion of the powers and the scope of the work that PSOs are doing? Has that been something which has been an advantage to recruitment and retention, or something which, upon reflection, those who are in what was a lesser responsibility may think that the higher responsibility is not for them?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I turn to the commissioner in relation to the operational employment matters.

Cmmr STEVENS: Our observation is—and I suppose in some respects this is anecdotal, having spoken to several police security officers—the increased responsibilities or diversification of work activities are actually seen as attractive to the current cohort and as a means to marketing the role of police security officer. We have not seen it as a negative in terms of people's desire to stay with a police security officer role.

The other observation I would make is that we are employing people as police security officers who often leave SAPOL and leave that role to pursue career pathways that they were originally intending to follow anyway as a result of tertiary qualifications. Given the lower level of responsibility attached to a police security officer, it is one of those positions we would describe as perhaps attracting people who are more transient in terms of their career expectations with the police.

Mr TELFER: Minister, how many of the FTE are community constables?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I turn to the commissioner in relation to these operational matters.

Cmmr STEVENS: The FTE cap for community constables is 46, but we currently run with a total of about 26 on our books at this point in time. It is a continuing challenge to attract, recruit and retain community constables, particularly in regional locations.

Mr TELFER: Just on from that, minister, and it is in conjunction, how are the Aboriginal recruitment targets within SAPOL going? What is the latest update on performance versus those targets?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: We certainly do have some data with respect to the question, but to ensure that the house has the full information that the shadow minister is seeking we will take the question on notice and endeavour to return to the house with the full detail that is being sought.

Mr TELFER: I appreciate that. Minister, are there any additional programs put in place to try to bridge that gap between the 46 FTEs but the reality of only 26 being in place? What special programs for recruitment of community constables in regional areas in particular are in place?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: South Australia Police is committed to ensuring that it is closing the gap in a range of different ways, not only in terms of employment. It is fully focused on those measures. Some of those measures include NAIDOC Week and an event that follows there. There is an additional focus on ensuring that we are recruiting Aboriginal constables wherever we possibly can. There is as well, and not only, the inaugural First Nations Meet the Employer event facilitated by Workforce Australia and a range of other initiatives.

The other matter that I should emphasise is that South Australia Police is focused not only on closing the gap and Aboriginal recruitment and engagement but also on a range of measures to ensure that recruitment is occurring from other community groups. Those initiatives should not be understated. I also turn to the commissioner in relation to efforts that are underway in regional communities, which are important to this matter.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. As further information, our sworn officers and managers who work in regional locations, particularly Eyre, western and Far North, engage heavily with Indigenous community members, including elders. Part of the brief for those officers is to identify prospective applicants and to support and encourage them to engage with SAPOL. On the APY lands, we do have a stepped opportunity where we can offer liaison officer roles to people who potentially would make good community constables so they can develop an understanding and affinity with South Australia Police with the hope of progressing them through to community constable roles.

Mr TELFER: That is good ongoing. Are there any specific, targeted programs or any change of strategy? That number, only 26 in place out of 46, is a startling one. How many of those 46 are designated to the APY, and how many of the gap of 20 are gaps that are within the APY lands?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: We are eager to ensure that we are updating the house with the latest possible information in relation to these important matters, so we will take that question on notice and return to the house.

Mr TELFER: In the broader sense, when we are considering the APY lands and the challenges faced there at the moment for policing in particular, what are the current FTE positions for the APY lands, and how many of those positions are currently filled?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: On these important, specific staffing and employment matters, I will turn to the commissioner. I would observe at the outset the placement of staff on the APY lands is a key factor in enabling the local community to form relationships with police. There are, of course, a number of positions permanently stationed on the APY lands and if they are not filled then, of course, there is a focus on filling them.

The focus there allows for detailed examination of family violence and criminal investigation response matters across all of the APY communities. One intelligence officer regularly travels to the APY lands from Port Augusta to ensure that that intelligence function can be performed. But, as these are specific employment operational matters, I will turn to the commissioner.

Cmmr STEVENS: I can say from the outset that we have nine residential officers who are deployed to the APY lands. They are supported by a contingent of 33 Adelaide-based sworn officers working from State Operations Support Branch. They conduct eight-day rotations into the APY lands. If it is appropriate, I will take on notice the current number of vacancies we have in State Operations Support Branch. There has been some turnover of staff in that area, but I would need to seek advice on the current number of vacancies.

Mr TELFER: Minister, you impressed then in your words the importance of the ongoing relationship of officers in the APY with the local community. Are the nine residential all fully in place at the moment?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised by the commissioner we are not aware of any vacancies. These officers are sworn in and performing the role, but let us take that question on notice just to triple-check that detail for you.

Mr TELFER: Minister, are you satisfied with the model where there are 33 Adelaide-based officers rotating through? I understand the nuances of trying to fill positions within the APY and the challenges of that. Is there a mood within SAPOL, or you as minister, to review that rotational roster and put extra efforts or incentives to try to make the police presence within the APY lands more permanent?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of rostering of staff and operational questions, as the shadow minister will appreciate, those have traditionally been matters exclusively within the purview of the police commissioner. Respectful of that division, I will turn to the commissioner.

Cmmr STEVENS: The current model of 33 police officers operating from State Operations Support Branch doing a fly-in fly-out rotation onto the APY lands was introduced a couple of years ago, and the need to review the model and implement a different approach came about as a result of the number of vacancies we were carrying and the difficulties of identifying police officers willing to transfer permanently to the APY lands.

It is fair to say that the model, in some respects, does address the staffing issues that we were experiencing. However, we are seeing a reasonable level of turnover within State Operations Support Branch, which is not ideal, and we are currently considering what the future operating model may look like for the APY to ensure the right number of police are on the APY at any given time, that they are the right people to be working on the APY lands, and that they are undertaking the right level of community engagement. Whether or not that means that we revert to a full living on the lands arrangement or adapt our current model remains to be seen, but we are certainly examining the best way to deliver policing services to extremely remote parts of South Australia.

Mr TELFER: How many of the FTEs that are referenced on page 178 are on parental leave?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of parental leave across South Australia Police, that is a question we will take on notice and come back to the house.

Mr TELFER: How many FTE are on medical or stress leave?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of those matters too, so as to ensure that we have the most accurate figure with respect to the shadow minister's specific question, we do have certain information to hand but we want to make sure we have the most accurate figure, so we will take that on notice too and come back to the house.

Mr TELFER: Minister, earlier you pre-empted some questions that I did not ask in the first one that you answered, but you talked about the fact that there were 242 recruits but 226 separations, so there is a difference of 16—at least it is a positive, I guess. In relation to the 226 separations, does SAPOL have a process for interviewing to understand the reasons behind the separation of those 226 officers, or over 5 per cent of officers, who are leaving the force annually?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I want to make a number of remarks before I turn to the police commissioner that may, I anticipate, assist the house. The first is that with respect to the recruitment that the shadow minister had identified, the 242, because of the timing of the international recruitment program it is important to keep in mind that recruitment is in two streams: one is largely domestic-based recruitment, the other is international recruitment.

We have earlier indicated there are well over 200 applications that are being processed in the international stream, but all observers of South Australia Police and commentators in this space, I think, would be wise to remember that there are those two streams in terms of the recruitment process. I just emphasise that to the house as we return to some of these matters for examination. I turn to the commissioner on operational and staffing issues.

Cmmr STEVENS: In relation to the question about processes for obtaining feedback from separating employees, each employee on advising of their intention to separate, be it through resignation or retirement, is required to submit a specific form known as a PD89. On that form there are several categories that we seek their feedback on in writing. Of course, it is an option only; we cannot compel people who are leaving the organisation to provide feedback.

We also offer all employees the opportunity for an exit interview where they can speak with their manager or supervisor in relation to their experiences with SAPOL, their reasons for leaving and any other feedback they wish to provide. In certain circumstances, based on some of the comments that are provided on the PD89, our people within People, Culture and Wellbeing will reach out to some individuals to seek further information, based on the comments they make either in an exit interview or on their PD89 on separation. But we cannot compel people to provide feedback.

Mr TELFER: On that, minister, of the 226 separations, how many of them separated by retirement, resignation or termination?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of the number of police separations and percentage retired, we do have those figures for the shadow minister. It may be useful for me to work through 2022-23 and then 2023-24, keeping in mind that the 2024 year is yet to be complete.

On this particular dataset there is one figure that is one number out or different from the original figure for reasons that are easily explained. It must be that the date of this document is slightly later. The difference in figure is 227 separations. The earlier figure that I outlined to the house I think has a date of the production of the document earlier in June, it seems to me. In any case, it is very similar, so I just make that observation.

Mr TELFER: It is only one.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The 2022-23 figures are for 253 total separations, so that is the previous year, and then noting 227 for the purposes of this document for the next year. Resigned is 119, retired is 120 and there is a list of 14 for other, for a total of 253. Then in 2023-24, noting that we are not yet complete with respect to June, there is resigned 117, retired 97 and other is listed at 13: the total figure there 227 as against 226 earlier mentioned. The percentage retired, therefore, is 42.7 per cent on 2023-24, but noting that that dataset is incomplete.

Mr TELFER: Something that would interest me, and you may have to take it on notice and whether it is something that is easily collated or not, are the separations from SAPOL according to rank. Is that information that is at hand or something you may have to take on notice?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: We will take that question on notice in relation to 2023-24. It is probably convenient to do it that way in any case because, obviously, the dataset is not yet complete, but it will shortly be complete.

Mr TELFER: With the amount of separations, the 226, 227 number, are there any programs that either SAPOL as an organisation or the government have put in place or are considering to aid with the retention of officers? Are there any measures that are being considered or being put in place to try to stem that flow of officers leaving the force?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Retention of experienced police officers is a very significant matter. It is a significant matter not only for South Australia Police but it is important to emphasise that it is a significant and important matter for police forces right throughout Australia and, of course, overseas. We earlier discussed that South Australia Police has, we believe, the second lowest attrition rate in the country, but that does not mean that there should not be focus in relation to these issues. There are certain measures in place for, for example, regional policing.

I might turn to the commissioner, though, because these are questions that equally bear on operational employment matters overall, except to say, as I have already said, that we are very closely monitoring the attrition rate and separation rate, and also very closely monitoring the recruitment rate in terms of the cadets, which we have discussed in some detail today and, equally, are very focused on the program of international recruitment. I will turn to the commissioner.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. We do find retention of currently serving police officers to be more of a challenge in some respects than the efforts or the ability to enhance our marketing and recruiting for new employees. The current enterprise bargaining process, I would expect, will place a particular focus on retention opportunities, and encouraging current serving officers to remain with the organisation.

Mr TELFER: Just on that then, minister, are you playing a role in the enterprise bargaining process currently underway?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The enterprise bargaining process is handled from central government and the commissioner's office, to some extent. There is no direct involvement of any minister, I am advised, in relation to that process when it comes to police because of the historical separation between operational policing and what might be described as the political sphere.

Mr TELFER: So to clarify, no minister, at any level, not just you as police minister?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think it is right to say that I am closely interested in the process, but I do not have a direct day-to-day involvement in that process, nor have any previous police ministers, I understand and am advised.

Mr TELFER: Minister, you referred to the overseas recruitment process that is happening at the moment, and the over 200 applicants. Is there a targeted goal, a percentage number of expectation from those applicants that you expect might be successful in going through the recruitment process?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of a target, I am not sure that I would necessarily describe it that way, and I would also add to my comments that the 312 target, with respect to local recruits, is the maximum throughput of the academy. In terms of the aim or intention, the intention is to recruit approximately 200 officers from what I have described as the international recruitment stream and, I am advised, that so far from the pool 12 have accepted. Obviously, as earlier indicated, there is a real focus in terms of that stream for the second portion of this calendar year, as against the financial year.

Mr TELFER: You referred to the 312 maximum throughput of the academy. Does that 312 number include the training of the PSOs?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The answer is reasonably straightforward, Mr Chair, through you, and in relation to the shadow minister's question. That is just sworn police officers, the police cadets.

Mr TELFER: The process for the additional training necessary for the overseas recruits: where is the capacity within the academy or is this going to be a separate training program outside the academy?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: It is an important question, and I will turn to the police commissioner in relation to operational matters there.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. Historically, the academy has run in the order of five to six Constable Development Programs per year. With the accelerated recruiting target, and the requirement to return to establishment, we have escalated that to between 11 and 12 courses a year, just for the Constable Development Program. The emphasis on the international recruitment strategy in some respects offsets the challenge of attracting and selecting local recruits, the reason for that being that local recruiting of people who do not have any previous policing experience requires a training duration of 9½ months before they are deployed fully operationally.

The expectation with our international recruits, given their previous policing experience—and this includes interstate police—is once we have established a cohort of officers transitioning into South Australia Police it will be in the order of 15 weeks, which means we can process many more experienced officers more quickly than attracting local recruits. Having said that, there is still a strong emphasis on local recruiting to ensure that we have South Australians joining the South Australia Police.

Mr TELFER: Minister, is there a budgeted cost or an expectation of how much it will cost for each overseas recruit to basically land in Australia from go to whoa through the process pre the training and the like?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: As the house will be aware, there has been a significant investment in police recruitment and PSO recruitment overall. In terms of police recruitment, an additional more than $12 million has been injected to ensure there are sufficient additional resources. In terms of police PSOs, there has been more than $80 million. We will take on notice the question in terms of the individual estimated costs for the training of cadets. I appreciate the question.

Mr TELFER: What is the percentage attrition of cadets going through the Constable Development Program? How many drop out as a percentage of those who start the course?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The overall picture, I think it is fair to say, is this: in terms of the number of cadets who commence the program, the attrition rate is exceptionally low. On occasion, it may be the case that a cadet drops out of that program for reason of injury or other reason, and in those instances may rejoin a later program. In terms of the actual percentage figure for dropouts over the last financial year, noting that the financial year is yet to be completed, we would want to have a close look at whether there are any cadets later in course, if that makes sense—and we can come back on that figure—but I am advised for present purposes that it is particularly low.

The CHAIR: I will go to the member for Waite for one question; she has been patiently waiting.

Ms HUTCHESSON: I refer to Budget Paper 4, Volume 3, page 180, line 4. What are SAPOL's plans for the Naracoorte Police Station?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I thank the member for Waite for her question. I also appreciate her very strong interest in policing matters not only in relation to policing of rail stations but rail safety overall. In terms of the Naracoorte Police Station, the station is an ageing asset, and it is in the ownership of the Minister for Police. The original building on the site was the courthouse in Naracoorte, which was extended to provide a new courtroom and waiting and witness facilities in 1954. The police station utilised the old section of the courthouse, and there were additions to the facility in 1972 and 1996.

The asset has faced continual building and structural issues, noting the original construction failed to include a damp course, which has created consequential damage to the facility at the base level, noting the local climatic conditions in Naracoorte. The aged building and associated infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose and is no longer supporting modern-day security requirements, technological capacity and space for a growing and modern workforce. The station also fails to meet required standards for cell infrastructure. They are presently placed externally to the building, to those who are familiar with the asset. Delivering the new Naracoorte Police Station infrastructure to replace the existing deteriorating asset will enable a fit-for-purpose, modern facility to support regional policing operations in this key South-East location.

I will also acknowledge the advocacy of a number of members, but most particularly I think it is important to emphasise the advocacy of the member for MacKillop, who has been fierce and determined to raise the importance of not only this issue but a range of other emergency services and policing issues with me since I assumed these portfolio responsibilities.

The construction of the station will improve South Australia Police's public-facing police station amenities in line with universal design principles for accessibility and enhance service delivery for the community. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport building projects division will be engaged for delivery of the new police station asset according to the government's project implementation process.

A new facility that incorporates modern, environmentally sustainable design in a secure and robustly constructed space could be achieved by approximately, I am advised, June 2027. Design would be in line with SAPOL's accommodation standards, including hard and soft interview rooms, cell complexes, a gym, wellbeing rooms, exhibit storage, appropriate male and female amenities and lockers, and secure car parking to provide fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

I should at this point observe that in terms of South Australia Police's overall property assets, a number of buildings would have come into the portfolio. Some are legacy assets—historical buildings, buildings which have been designed in different ways and not necessarily for policing, and some police assets which have been designed specifically for policing purposes. Importantly, this investment will ensure that there is a police station in Naracoorte that is designed to accommodate modern policing needs. I am particularly advised that the new build will include internal cells of significant improvement over the existing facility, which has cells, as earlier mentioned, external to the police station, resulting in limitations for oversight and risks for work health and safety for staff.

In terms of the budget impact, budget estimates have been provided to the Treasury for an investment decision in relation to new police station infrastructure at Naracoorte, and I am very pleased that, as a new investing measure, a decision has been taken to fund a new police station.

I think it is also important to emphasise, by way of background, the inherent limitations and deterioration of the existing police station, as well as the requirements for what has euphemistically been described as a 'temporary decant', will of course mean that there will not be redevelopment of the existing site, but the construction of a new facility will require, ideally, a single-move transition. But, as I say, the decision has now been taken, and it is very important. If there is to be land acquisition, then that will commence through Renewal SA as a priority. The new Naracoorte station will reposition the cells, as I have earlier indicated. I think it might be useful for me to turn briefly to the commissioner to add any additional matters in relation to Naracoorte policing.

Cmmr STEVENS: I think it is probably no secret that the facilities at Naracoorte are long overdue for replacement. We have reached that point in time where there is no further capability to maintain the existing asset, so the decision to fund the new Naracoorte Police Station is obviously well received by the staff at Naracoorte.

Mr TELFER: Minister, this will be a greenfield site—is that the expectation?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Will it have an increased number of staff with the upgrade of the facility?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The new facility will be able to accommodate any necessary future growth and will be fit for purpose. However, it is important to observe that the operational decisions in terms of police staffing then for Naracoorte will naturally be a question for June 2027 or when the facility is constructed. But I emphasise that it is intended to be fit for purpose and to allow for all necessary future policing operations.

Mr TELFER: I respect that. Obviously, the planning for the facility itself as a standalone is important. I think it is also important that there is an understanding, not just within this chamber but within the community, if there is a plan in conjunction with that to alter the arrangements perhaps with some of the South-East policing. This is why I was trying to get an understanding whether there would be a growth within Naracoorte, an increased number, whether there is going to be growth overall within the South-East or whether there potentially could be a consolidation of other officers from further out within a new state-of-the-art fit-for-purpose facility.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think at the outset I will observe that the new Naracoorte site will be home to approximately 14 sworn and one unsworn staff, and that is essentially the current complement. Once again, in terms of future arrangements and operational decisions, those would be a question for the police commissioner of the day.

Mr TELFER: I would like to get an understanding of the work or otherwise of asset management of facilities within SAPOL. Has there been any asset assessment planning work done to ascertain the short to medium-term work necessary to replace ageing SAPOL infrastructure and buildings? Obviously, within regional South Australia, it is very prominent. You highlight that Naracoorte is well overdue but there are other facilities around it. Is there a comprehensive body of work that has been done by SAPOL as far as their asset management goes?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The short answer to the question is yes, there are of course decisions that are taken in terms of the examination of the existing asset base. As I earlier indicated, the assets within the South Australia Police portfolio are legacy assets, some of which are historical buildings. There are buildings that have come into the property portfolio that were not constructed specifically for policing purposes, and there are a range of facilities and buildings that have been constructed specifically for policing purposes. It is right to say that South Australia Police does have a focus both in terms of maintenance and also the improvement of its overall asset position going forward.

Mr TELFER: As someone who has experience in local government, obviously with asset management plans and the like, I am assuming the working document for the SAPOL assets obviously has to be done in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, who have the technical ownership of some of these buildings. Is that work around the prioritisation and timelines of replacement something that gets considered at each annual budget when it comes to looking at allocating the necessary funds to maintain and/or upgrade facilities?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The answer is yes.

Mr TELFER: To go back to my previous line of questioning, minister, I refer back to the core numbers of Budget Paper 4, Volume 3 and pages 178 to 180. I would like the committee to get an insight into any further update you can give about the policing review being undertaken by the Premier's Taskforce, the timing of those aspects and, in particular, when a report from the Premier's Taskforce will be made public.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: As members present are aware, the incoming state government committed to a Premier's Taskforce. That commitment was made to ensure, as I have earlier indicated to the house, that the incoming government could be fully apprised of all the matters of concern to police and all the matters that a new government would need to be aware of to ensure that the new government could plan and invest for policing needs.

It is important for me to observe that the cabinet has taken through the budget process a number of significant decisions. It is not possible, of course, for me—nor would members present expect me—to reflect on the decision-making processes inside cabinet, but I think it is obvious that there has been a series of decisions of government that are reflected over consecutive budgets. I have earlier indicated to the house that I have been very grateful for the advice that has been provided to me by police, the expertise that they have shared with me and the information as well that they have shared with government and cabinet through the Premier's Taskforce process.

I have earlier indicated that the Premier's Taskforce contains material that continues to inform government decision-making at the very highest levels. There are decisions in this budget, which I am sure we will touch upon in the remaining time that is available to us today, that reflect the information that has been gathered as part of that process, and government will continue to make decisions based on that process.

Mr TELFER: When was the last time the task force met?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised that the last meeting was in March 2023.

Mr TELFER: Minister, being 15 months since the last meeting of the Premier's Taskforce, is there a risk, or are you concerned, that work that is done in formulation, and input that has been given to the task force, is out of date and will need to be revisited because of the ever-dynamic changing nature of policing in South Australia?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The matters examined by the Premier's Taskforce are long-term in nature. They relate not only to acute matters that the government or then opposition anticipated it might encounter on coming to government but also to the decisions that would need to be made over multiple budget cycles and would need to continue to be made. As evidenced by this budget and the previous budget, important decisions are being made to ensure that there are sufficient resources, for example—but not only—with respect to police recruitment and, of course, those budget measures which are detailed most obviously in the present budget line items that we are examining.

Meaning no disrespect to the shadow minister, obviously this is not necessarily a matter that is squarely on its face within the budget line items that we are examining, except to say I have indicated to the house—and will continue to indicate to the house—that the information gathered as part of this process will continue to inform budget decisions that will be made going forward.

Mr TELFER: Are there aspects of the recommendations that have been made to the task force that are not progressing because the task force report has not been finalised?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: With great respect to the shadow minister we are now very much in speculative territory that falls outside of the budget line items, and although I have been reasonably generous to the shadow minister—

Mr TELFER: With the guidance of the Chair.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: —I would require him at this moment to identify the budget line item to which he is referring.

Mr TELFER: I would say that the overall expenditure of SAPOL is very much a pertinent aspect. Minister, can you give me an insight into the status of any review into the regional policing model?

The CHAIR: Can the member for Flinders please remind me what program we are operating under?

Mr TELFER: Yes, the overall program net cost of services summary on page 179, which is over $1 billion, Chair.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: As I understand it, we are referring to matters that concluded in 2019 and this is a budget that is much further afield than that. Whilst I have been very, very generous to the shadow minister and will continue to seek to do so, I think it may be that we would need to reflect on the current budget line items.

Mr TELFER: So there is no insight into any future review of the regional policing model?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think I will refer to my previous answer.

Mr TELFER: I will take that as a no. We will continue on those same pages, speaking specifically about officer morale and increased pressure of workforce shortages. We were reflecting on the FTE aspects. What action is the government taking to protect the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and SAPOL staff in particular?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The pressures that are placed on police officers in terms of modern policing are real, and those pressures can be compounded in circumstances where there is a real need to ensure that South Australia Police is returning to establishment figures. Both South Australia Police and the government do understand that there has been a significant focus, and needs to be a significant and ongoing focus, on these matters.

By way of more general information, the Employee Assistance Section sits within the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Branch and does provide a statewide, professional psychological, medical and social work support service with the aim of maintaining or improving the physical and mental health of all South Australia Police employees. This incorporates collaborative work with employees and local managers to mitigate risk and encourage safe and healthy workplace practices. The EAS also provides a consultancy training and assessment service in the areas of physical and psychological mental health and wellbeing.

It is important for me to observe that the South Australia Police executive leadership team are signatories to the Government of South Australia's Mentally Healthy Workplaces Statement of Commitment, along with officers in charge and managers in districts and regions.

SAPOL's overarching policy relates to EAS and its mental health response in general order psychological health management. The general order applies to all South Australia Police workplaces and workers and, amongst other things, aims to ensure that workers experiencing trauma are offered adequate and targeted resources and also that workers are aware of the processes to access the support that is available.

The EAS is located within the South Australia Police headquarters; however, employees of the section travel and make use of electronic means of communication, of course, to connect with all South Australia Police employees, as required. Located within the EAS is the psychosocial team, comprising psychologist and social workers. The team aims to ensure that, as far as is reasonably possible, the physical, psychological and, indeed, social wellbeing of employees within the workplace is maintained.

The team has experience in counselling and can provide support as well as direct employees to appropriate external services. The team aims to assist South Australia Police to deliver safe, healthy and harmonious working environments to all employees so that they can perform their duties effectively and develop to their full potential. The team can and does assist employees with work-related issues, for example: work-related stress, financial issues, interpersonal relationship issues, critical incident debriefing, harassment and bullying, staff performance problems, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, anger management, and grief and loss issues, as well as non-work related matters such as family concerns and relationship breakdowns.

An on-call EAS psychosocial service is available for all employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through South Australia Police communications. There are other matters that we could reflect on, but I want to respect the shadow minister's opportunity to ask additional questions.

Mr TELFER: Ongoing from that comprehensive answer, could the minister please advise how many employees are captured under the Employee Assistance Section Policy 14 who are in roles where there is a high psychological demand, and whether each of these employees have had their required annual psychological reviews over the last 10 years?

The CHAIR: Member for Flinders—

Mr TELFER: This one, sir, is 189.

The CHAIR: No, that is not the question. I have been fairly lenient and given you quite a bit of scope. I just remind you that questions have to relate to the budget and you have now asked a question, if I have understood correctly, going back 10 years. That is way out of the scope of the budget.

Mr TELFER: Sorry, to clarify it, Chair, this is around the management of the process. Obviously, the ongoing management of data does stretch back to 10 years; that is why I am asking the question.

The CHAIR: I am not convinced. I will let this question go ahead, but I just remind you that you need to make sure your questions are about this budget and actually have some sort of financial aspect to them.

Mr TELFER: I respect your guidance, sir.

The CHAIR: Okay.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Thank you, Chair, for your reflections in relation to the budget line items that are open for examination. We are endeavouring to be reasonably generous to the shadow minister because of the importance of these matters, but we are also anxious to ensure that all members present have the opportunity to examine the budget line items. I understand that certain of these matters were examined in the Budget and Finance Committee, which might well illustrate the appropriateness of that forum—if I am right about that matter—but in any case I turn to the—

Mr TELFER: It might have been a select committee.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Very well. In any case, to assist the shadow minister, I turn to the police commissioner with respect to these operational matters.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. We have responded to a question of this type in relation to annual psychological assessment for employees working in areas identified as having particular risks associated with exposure to different elements that are inherently part of policing. The question we responded to specifically asked how many members have an obligation to undertake an annual psychological review and the number of officers who were overdue for that review. The proportion of officers who were overdue was very low and we are happy to provide that detail on notice. The reasons for their failure to comply with the annual psychological review requirements were also articulated in that response and we are happy to provide that.

Mr TELFER: Minister—and this is reflecting, obviously, as I said for page 189, on ongoing employee management and probably consideration for an investment both within SAPOL and any directive from the minister—are you aware if SAPOL has a centralised system to monitor compliance with the annual psychological reviews?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised that a very similar question was asked in another forum and I anticipate that the answer that will be provided to that question, which is presently on notice, will assist in informing the shadow minister with respect to the matters that he is now raising.

Mr TELFER: Is there money within the current budget to be able to establish such a centralised system?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: It is important to emphasise the matters that I have already detailed in relation to psychological and other support available to police officers. The budget measures are well known and outlined in the budget, but can I say that these matters are of ongoing significance to South Australia Police, and if it would assist the shadow minister we can turn to certain other of those supports which I broke off from detailing in my earlier answer.

Mr TELFER: I turn now to page 180 within the Agency Statements, Budget Paper 4, Volume 3, specifically looking at the South Australia Police barracks relocation. What is the final budget expenditure expectation for the Thebarton barracks relocation?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think it is important to outline this matter in context. In the 2022-23 state budget, the government committed $2 million for planning the relocation of South Australia Police from, for example, Thebarton barracks, with the budget held by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. The early $2 million planning budget has been fully expended in early planning activities. In addition to the original $2 million planned funds, the government has to date formally approved $140 million in capital funds to support the relocation of the SA Police business units. We touched on certain of these matters in an opening statement.

I can say as well that there have been efforts to secure the lease of Blackburn House, providing a lease incentive as well. The lease incentive is incorporated in the Blackburn House project, delivering fit-out of the premises to multiple floors through relocation of several barracks units. The balance of the incentive has been applied to Eastern District police station fit-out works to vacant level 2 of Blackburn House, with one final tenancy on the ground floor of Blackburn House remaining, which is subject to a government funding submission. When the ground floor tenancy for the Eastern District police station front of house is completed in future, the building, it is anticipated, will be fully occupied.

The budget for the temporary relocation of the SA Police band and a warehouse storage solution is still to be determined, but efforts are certainly underway to work with all the relevant business units. The capital works budget is currently supplemented with a $4.26 million for new lease costs pending further lease budget allocations for Netley Commercial Park leases.

I am advised that it is also important to emphasise that increased operating costs primarily generated by dispersing Thebarton barracks business units across multiple sites are still being finalised at this time but, to emphasise, the formally approved budget allocation from government at this time is $140 million in capital funds to support the relocation of business units. I will just consult for a moment before completing my answer.

I am advised, as earlier foreshadowed, that certain of these work streams are yet to be completed and are ongoing, but for the purposes of the present line item, we have certainly explored with you the funding allocation.

Mr TELFER: The $140 million, is that adequate budget allocation to relocate all of the 15 business units that are needing to be dispersed from the government's decision to relocate the Thebarton barracks team?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: As additional work streams and planning for those work streams are not complete, it would not be possible for me to speculate in relation to other matters at this time. We can confirm that the present capital allocation is $140 million in capital funds to support the relocation of the business units that we have earlier discussed.

Mr TELFER: How many of the 15 business units are encapsulated within the $140 million capital investment? For example, how many locations and arrangements still need to be finalised for what number of remaining business units?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: We have earlier indicated that forecasting work is still underway, and it would be speculative for me to indicate a future figure. Approximately 14 of the 15 business units have completed their workstreams, if that is the correct way to describe the work that has been undertaken. I am sure that this is a matter that will be examined in the course of future budgets, but I am very mindful of the standing orders, and also a convention in relation to the examination of these budget line items. That is the conclusion of my answer in relation to this matter.

Mr TELFER: Can you clarify the one business unit? That is the band you referred to earlier?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Yes.

Mr TELFER: The budgeted amount for the development of the Gepps Cross site: what is that figure?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised it is $93 million.

Mr TELFER: Does the $93 million include the arrangements that need to be vested in for the city staging area or is that a separate amount? If so, what is that amount?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised that that component is approximately $11.9 million.

Mr TELFER: On top of the $93 million?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Minister, the last information that I received on this project from the Treasurer was that the capital amount was $162½ million. Is this number incorrect or is this the challenges of the separation between what Treasury and Finance are doing as opposed to what SAPOL are involved in?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Obviously, I am not going to speculate on other remarks that the Treasurer may have provided at an earlier time but, looking over the budget line item, the advice I have is the advice that has been expressed.

Mr TELFER: Very good. I will refer the minister to the Hansard from last week. Minister, we will continue on with page 181 of the same budget paper and talking about public safety and the importance of maintaining community safety. What is the status of the Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce, which, on my understanding, was the taskforce to initiate a response to CBD crime in particular?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: In terms of the specific outcomes and focus of Operation Paragon and Operation Measure, I will turn to the Commissioner for Police.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. In terms of clarification, South Australia Police does not have a task force known as the Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce. My understanding is that that may be a task force comprised of multiagency activity. South Australia Police is running two operations within the CBD and in a metropolitan area focused on antisocial behaviour and other crime activity. The first one of that is Operation Paragon, which runs from Eastern District.

The purpose of Operation Paragon is to actually support the work of the Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce in terms of antisocial behaviour. It deals with public safety issues within the CBD environment, including homelessness. It is comprised of a sergeant and 10 other ranks, as I said, working from Eastern District, supporting people who are at risk of becoming victims of crime or committing other types of crime.

That is supplemented by the work that we are doing within the CBD in relation to other antisocial behaviour activity and shop theft. Whilst we do not have a dedicated operation, we are surging additional police resources into those environments based on intelligence, the most recent activity being just in the last week where we ran a dedicated shop theft operation resulting in significant numbers of arrests and reports of people for those offences. That has proven to be very successful. In some respects, that is supporting the work that we have in relation to Operation Measure, which targets shop theft and which relies heavily on collaboration with the retail sector, private security and police.

Mr TELFER: Thank you for your clarification, commissioner. It seems as though there is always a bit of uncertainty around the titles of some of these operations and the like. I am happy for the minister to keep seeking clarification. Operation Paragon on my understanding is an ongoing operation, so there is no end-date time frame, and the resources that you highlighted of sergeant and 10 other ranks is ongoing and there is not a need that you see, minister, to add to that?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised that Operation Measure and Operation Paragon are ongoing operations. If it is necessary for additional specialist police to assist those operations then they will be, I am advised, directed or seconded to those operations, as may be necessary, based on the circumstances, intelligence or other policing decisions that might be necessary at the time.

Mr TELFER: So if and when that does happen, where will those resources come from?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I might turn to the commissioner in relation to those operational matters.

Cmmr STEVENS: Thank you, minister. Depending on the nature of the concerns that we are addressing of additional resources to support the established Operation Paragon, members would come from our mounted operations section, our dog operations, the Security Response Section, STAR Group and, depending on whether it is associated with other events being held in the CBD, we may call upon resources from other districts to provide the appropriate level of policing response necessary to ensure that we are on top of any antisocial behaviour.

If I may clarify, the Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce is, on my understanding, managed by the Department of Human Services. Its purpose is to address antisocial behaviour and homelessness within the CBD and SAPOL plays a critical part in supporting that whole-of-government approach.

Mr TELFER: Thank you. It sort of folds into my next lot of questions, also reflecting on the questions around Thebarton barracks. When is SAPOL required to be vacated out of the Thebarton barracks?

The CHAIR: Member for Flinders, I think that question does go a bit far, but I will leave it to the minister if he wishes to respond. If the minister does not wish to respond, that will be fine as well.

Mr TELFER: Sir, I am referring to page 180, the line 'SA Police Barracks relocation'.

The CHAIR: Yes, I understand that, but unless you can couch the question in financial terms, it goes to a policy matter, which is really a question for everyday question time or other committees, not for this session. I have given you quite a bit of leeway. I think you are going too far now.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: Thank you, Chair, for your reflections in relation to the importance of our focus on budget line items. With respect to the shadow minister's question, importantly, I am advised that access is being provided progressively to the site to ensure that the Women's and Children's Hospital team can perform that work which needs to be performed as against the time frame that is required for the project. Of course, it is obvious to motorists passing by the site, as I myself did very recently, the level, intensity and scope of the work that is presently being performed on that site.

Mr TELFER: Is the minister satisfied, following the budget line 'SA Police Barracks relocation', page 180, that that relocation budget allocation amount will be appropriately expended to facilitate the SAPOL move to those new facilities that they are being relocated into to suit the time frames necessary?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I thank the shadow minister for the question. Intending all great respect to the shadow minister and endeavouring to assist him as best we can, of course the question invites a degree of speculation on my part.

Mr TELFER: That is what a budget is, sir.

The CHAIR: No, the budget does not do that. The budget gives some estimates. I think the minister is quite correct that it actually expects an opinion, which he can only provide to the extent that it is in the budget already. So the minister can take it on notice or move on.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I think I would refer to my existing answer.

Mr TELFER: Alright, I will continue on page 180. I will look to the 'Police Records Management System—Stages 2 to 4'. There has been a delay in this project. I am interested in the reasons for the significant delay.

The CHAIR: That question had some commentary. Seriously—

Mr TELFER: In the introduction to the estimates process—

The CHAIR: No, let me finish. The question is okay. You said 'significant delay'. That is commentary. 'Significant' is an opinion, not a fact. Can you just rephrase your question, please?

Mr TELFER: Sir, I appreciate your guidance. I thought, with the direction at the introduction of this, it is a relatively informal aspect. There has been plenty of opinion and speculation that has been included.

The CHAIR: The other thing I also said is that the normal rules apply, which means questions are questions, and questions do not have commentary in them.

Mr TELFER: I will rephrase then, sir. What is the reason for the delay on this project?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The program to which the shadow minister refers was significantly impacted by COVID-19, and that impact was caused or resulted from program staff being redirected, as was necessary and urgent at that time, to COVID-19 emergency response and operational duties, along with staff isolation and absence due to COVID-19 illnesses. This extended the duration of the program. A further delay has been experienced due to requirement to address certain data held in a legacy system to make it suitable for migration, as is a difficulty sometimes experienced in ICT programs of this type.

Mr TELFER: How many FTE are expected to be required to deliver this project?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am advised that a mixture of sworn, unsworn and other staff are assisting the completion of the Shield program.

Mr TELFER: How many?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: That is a matter that we will take on notice. It is very specific in relation to a particular ICT program that the shadow minister is examining.

Mr TELFER: What is the planned timeline for this project?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: The budget papers indicate that the program will move to what is being described as program management rather than program implementation in June 2025.

The CHAIR: The member for Playford has been quietly trying to get my attention.

Mr FULBROOK: In relation to Budget Paper 4, Volume 3, page 182—to be quite precise, line 2—can the minister provide an update on the National Firearms Register?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I thank the member for his question and his particular focus and interest in relation to firearms management and policing matters overall. To date, I am able to inform the house that the Firearms Control System replacement project has delivered the implementation of a customer portal for firearms dealers to submit records of incoming and outgoing firearms movements. Since launch, more than 93,000 have been processed electronically. Integration with the SA government's mySAGOV platform enables licensees to view and display their current firearms licence information via the myGov mobile application.

Integration of the current mainframe Firearms Control System, described as the FCS, within the Australian Firearms Information Network, referred to within policing as AFIN, ensures current data related to firearms registered within South Australia is available to other state and national jurisdictions via the AFIN program. The procurement of a supplier to undertake the implementation configuration of a digital capability platform to deliver the business capability component is nearing completion.

I am pleased to inform the member and the house that design work is expected to commence right about now, with the solution anticipated to be operational in approximately December 2025, noting the complexities of programs of this type. On 6 December 2023, the national cabinet agreed to implement the National Firearms Register over four years, beginning 2024-25. SAPOL will not be able to contribute to or benefit from the capabilities of the NFR without, of course, the full operational system coming online. The new system will deliver benefits in terms of officer and public safety outcomes and will allow access to firearms data in near real time. As well, it will deliver a better service to licence holders by decreasing turnaround times for licence applications, renewals and registrations from several weeks to days or potentially less.

To support the program, the SAPOL firearms program itself has been initiated. This program incorporates the firearms control assistant project as well as a number of other initiatives. South Australia Police will need to undertake to support the national objectives, including system changes, data integration and potential legislative amendments. These matters are of close interest to the national Police Ministers Council and are also of close interest to police commissioners around the country. Full integration of the various platforms is anticipated to be completed by June 2028.

In terms of the budget impact with respect to the inquiries made by the member for Playford, the 2018-19 state budget provided funding for the development and implementation of a new firearms control system. The funding is derived from a levy on fees and charges under the Firearms Act. It is estimated to generate $2.25 million, with the remainder amount, $3.01 million, funded from within existing SAPOL resources. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5.26 million. On 27 April, the commonwealth Attorney-General announced that $161.3 million has been approved in the federal budget over four years for the National Firearms Register.

I am cognisant of the fact that the time we are sharing together is coming to a close. I thank the member for his question and note the importance of this matter.

The CHAIR: The allotted time having expired, I declare the examination of the SA Police complete. Further examination of the proposed payments for SA Police will continue after the break.

Sitting suspended from 15:31 to 15:45.