Correctional Services

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (16:47): A supplementary question: given the minister's answer, can the minister confirm if police officers have been required to transfer prisoners refused bail to other police stations because some of the cells have been used to hold prisoners and, if yes, is this having any impact on police activities?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (16:47): I would like to thank the honourable member for the question. My advice is that both corrections and the police work very closely together and our aim is to make—

Ms Chapman: Both are running around with prisoners in the back of the van.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Mr Speaker, as I mentioned in the previous answer, the important thing is that, if a court makes a decision that somebody has to be held in custody, we put them in custody. I know the member for Bragg doesn't agree, but that is our primary objective.

Mr Marshall: You should apologise for that.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Apologise for what?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Has the minister finished?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: No, I haven't actually. I can advise the house that both corrections and police work closely to achieve that objective and I am advised that, while it is not desirable, it is working to make sure we keep our streets safe.