POLICE NUMBERS

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Police. Was the police commissioner wrong when he said, 'If we are to meet the savings commitment we won't be able to recruit the extra 184 police officers'?

Mr Venning interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call the member for Schubert to order. The Minister for Police has the call.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:47): I have great respect for the parliament and its institutions and its committee system, and I expect the Commissioner of Police or any other public sector employee to—

Mr Pederick: Tell the truth.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: —to tell the truth. I think that is particularly—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Will the Minister for Police be seated? I call the member for Hammond to order and, alas, I must warn the member for MacKillop for the second time. The Minister for Police.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: I find that quality particularly admirable in a senior police officer. I think we expect the highest level of integrity and honesty from our police officers of all ranks, but particularly in the senior ranks. He has expressed a view which comes down to the economics or the accounting treatment of his savings targets. I have listened to him. I have had extensive discussions with him. It will be dealt with within the budget setting context.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call the member for Finniss and the member for West Torrens to order. The member for West Torrens has been disorderly through mime. The member for Torrens.