Expiation Notices

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:24): A supplementary question, thank you very much sir. Given that in his last answer the minister said that there are significant misunderstandings within the police force—

The Hon. A. Piccolo: I didn't say that.

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Yes, he did.

Members interjecting:

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: He said that there are significant misunderstandings in the police force and I ask him what will he do to correct that issue with regard to communication within the police force. Will he suggest to the Commissioner of Police that he puts out a memo to all officers making it very clear and very plain that there are no quotas and no benchmarks?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:25): First, I assume the member is aware that, as police minister, I cannot direct the police commissioner on operational matters, and this is an operational matter. Of course, I have discussed this matter with the police commissioner—in fact, it was one of the first discussions I had with him—because I did indicate to him the general perception in the community about how we enforce the road rules, not helped by opportunistic people in the opposition who try to inflame misunderstanding for their political purposes.

Mr PENGILLY: Point of order, sir. The minister is imputing improper motives here, surely.

The SPEAKER: I will seek advice about that. Minister.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Mr Speaker, I am happy to discuss this matter with the police commissioner so we can actually improve the message, but it would help the whole cause of road safety if the opposition did the same.