Domestic Violence

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:39): Supplementary to the Minister for Police, if I may: in the current circumstances in which you will provide extra information to the house as to how many are sworn officers and how many are civilian officers, could you explain to the parliament how the matter can be dealt with if in fact the original civilian officer who has taken the call either hangs up or doesn't process the matter further under this triage system, because clearly this was identified in the Coroner's report and was to form part of the recommendation? On that recommendation, could you also confirm whether you supported this government's decision to not accept that recommendation and in fact to deal with the early warning system option?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for her question. There are two parts to it, if I understand correctly. The first part is in terms of the situation which was identified. Clearly, there was an issue in which additional training would assist. So, we should not take one case, as sad as that case was, as to say that was the normal practice. Clearly, additional training was required for that situation. In relation to the second matter—what was the second matter?

Ms CHAPMAN: If I might assist the minister. Did you, as the Minister for Police, support the rejection of this recommendation and the acceptance of the government's position as announced by the Premier?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Thank you. First of all, we didn't actually reject the recommendation. The recommendation was about addressing the particular issue. The advice to myself from the police, which I then referred to the Premier, and the Premier's response is consistent with the advice I received from SAPOL.