POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon—Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:06): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON: Today I am pleased to report to the house that investigations into complaints against police by members of the public will enter a new era. I can today announce that Ms Sarah Bolt has been appointed as the new Police Complaints Authority. She will start in the position in December. Sarah brings extensive experience of complaint resolution to this position along with a history of practising law, which will provide her with the necessary skills.

During her time as Tasmania's anti-discrimination commissioner, Sarah Bolt improved the reputation of the office by working closely with interested parties and streamlining the complaint handling process. She also had a cooperative relationship with other agencies, which is an important element in the new role.

I believe Sarah Bolt will be a fine replacement for retiring Police Complaints Authority head Tony Wainright, who has served as head of the PCA for the past 14 years. Mr Wainright has done a sterling job in those 14 years. It is not an easy job, but he carried out his work professionally, thoroughly and with integrity. I thank Mr Wainright for his contributions and wish him the best for his future.

The PCA is responsible for the independent oversight of the investigation of complaints against police by members of the public. It is independent of South Australia Police. It is responsible to parliament and reports to the Attorney-General in administrative matters. The authority receives complaints about the conduct of police officers; oversees complaint investigations conducted by SAPOL; assesses the merits of complaints; resolves complaints by conciliation where that is possible; recommends disciplinary or remedial action; and reports to parliament on the handling of complaints against police. I congratulate Sarah and I wish her the best of luck for the next seven years in her new role, and I look forward to another successful era of the Police Complaints Authority.