Ministerial Statement

HUNT, MR D.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (10:31): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: Last Sunday saw the sad passing of a fine servant of this state. The commissioner for police for 13½ years, from June 1982 to December 1996, David Hunt AO, QPM, C St John, died peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice, North Adelaide; he was 76 years old. Commissioner Hunt served this state with distinction for 42 years, and he was greatly respected as a man of integrity and as a thorough gentleman. I can say this with authority as commissioner Hunt served under my father, Jack Wright, from 1984 to 1985, and I know Dad held him in very high regard.

Born in Adelaide in 1934, he became a cadet in 1954 and, at the time of appointment, was both the youngest inspector, at the age of 36, and police commissioner, at the age of 49. He drove significant changes for the benefit of the state, not just as commissioner but throughout his career. In the mid-1970s, he was officer in charge of the research and development group, where he prepared legislation for sweeping changes to the Firearms Act. These changes brought about marked tightening in gun control, contributing strongly to a safer South Australia.

Commissioner Hunt also worked on national bodies, improving community safety for all Australians. He was one of a three-man interstate team reporting on the feasibility of the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence. He also lectured and was a co-director at the Australian Police College. Internationally, his experience as a member of a delegation to a United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention led to him initiating action to introduce the national code of ethics for police in Australia.

As police commissioner, David was the key driver in introducing community policing to South Australia. In his words, 'Simply, community policing means applying a more professional, understanding, concerned and sympathetic touch to police dealings with the wider community.' He introduced Neighbourhood Watch in early 1985 and was a strong supporter of the program throughout his time. This showed his commitment to improving community safety, by reducing crime and alleviating the fear of crime by empowering entire communities to undertake a collaborative approach to crime prevention.

David showed great compassion for and understanding of the needs and desires of the community. He was committed to victims' rights, and he established the Police Victims of Crime Branch and the appointment of victim contact officers and the victim impact statement coordinator. He was described by many of his contemporaries as ahead of his time. Ultimately, he believed reducing the number of victims through crime prevention should be the central tenet of policing. A true leader, Commissioner Hunt earned and deserved the respect of the public and, throughout his term, police in the state enjoyed very high levels of community respect and confidence.

On behalf of this house, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his wife Joy, son David, daughter Michele, family, friends and colleagues. David's personal commitment, loyalty and dedication to the South Australian community did not go unnoticed. A state funeral service to acknowledge his dedication to South Australia will be held tomorrow at St. Joseph's Church, Kensington Gardens.

The SPEAKER (10:35): Thank you. I also pass on my sincere sympathies to his family; he was much admired.