VICTIMS OF CRIME FUND

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg) (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Police. Has the minister discussed the alleged Victims of Crime Fund fraud involving Andrea Lowe with the police commissioner and if so, when?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:13): I came into this place yesterday and made a ministerial statement about the issue of a public servant who was working in my ministerial office and who is now before the courts. This has been an incredibly distressful time for both myself and my staff, as I am sure you and other members would understand. I would expect that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in another place experienced similar distress when her political staffer was found guilty of 74 counts of fraud. An incredibly distressful—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —an incredibly distressful time—

Ms Chapman: Have you—yes or no?

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —an incredibly—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bragg, order!

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —an incredibly distressful time.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: At all times—

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Bragg, order! You have asked the question.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: I can assure this house that at all times I have complied with every request put to us by the police in order to assist them in their investigations—absolutely complied with every request.