CRIME STATISTICS, CITY OF PORT ADELAIDE ENFIELD

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:20): My question is to the Minister for Police. Minister, can you provide information regarding the crime rate in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and the work that is being done to bring the crime rate down in that area and across the state?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:20): I am pleased to advise the house that the latest official figures from the Office of Crime Statistics and Research show that total victim reported crime in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield has fallen by 31 per cent since 2002. The statistics show that there has been a reduction of over 6,000 offences since 2002. This equates to 115 fewer offences occurring every week in the Port Adelaide Enfield area compared with 2002.

Major assault, minor assault, sexual offences, break and enter, fraud, illegal use of a motor vehicle and many more have fallen since 2002. Even more pleasing is that you are far less likely to become a victim of crime in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield area today compared to 2002. In 2002, there were 190 offences per 1,000 of population. This has dropped by a massive 36 per cent to 121 offences per 1,000 of population.

These statistics show that the greater police presence in the western suburbs is having an impact. In fact, the recruitment of 700 additional officers is having an impact across the state. The latest South Australia Police statistics show that crime in South Australia has fallen by 35 per cent since 2001-02. These reductions in crime are no fluke. Rather, it is the product of a well-resourced, professional and high-performing police force, coupled with tough new laws introduced by the government.

This year's SAPOL budget has reached record levels—more than $693 million has been allocated, representing an increase of more than 88 per cent compared with the last Liberal budget in 2002. There are more police on the beat than ever before, with a further 313 additional police, on top of the 700 already recruited on their way. These figures by the Office of Crime Statistics and Research confirm that the opposition leader's forum tonight is nothing more than an attempt to create fear and panic among the people of the western suburbs—

Mr WILLIAMS: Point of order, Madam Speaker. The minister has now strayed into debate—standing order 98.

The SPEAKER: It is getting very close to debate. Minister, would you like to conclude your remarks?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: —and nothing more than a feeble attempt to paper over the Liberal Party's lack of credibility on law and order. Madam Speaker, they're soft on law and order!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! No debate across the chamber, please. When you have settled down. Member for Unley.