District Policing Model

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:17): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: The Acting Commissioner of Police recently wrote to all members of parliament and informed them that SAPOL's district policing model will commence operation on Thursday 5 July 2018. The district policing model changes will apply to metropolitan Adelaide and replace the existing local service area model. The change in metropolitan Adelaide will mean the six local service areas (LSAs) of Holden Hill, Elizabeth, South Coast, Sturt, Eastern Adelaide and Western Adelaide will be combined to create four new districts: North Metro District, South Metro District, Western Metro District and Eastern Metro District. Importantly, the purpose of the district policing model is to protect and reassure the community of their safety. This will be achieved by:

equalising demand for police services across metropolitan districts;

establishing district policing teams to provide significant surge capacity for response during periods of high demand;

building a visible, accessible and consistent police presence;

better protecting high-risk and repeat victims; and

increasing resources allocated to ensuring the quality of police court files to reduce administrative demand on front-line resources.

Although the district policing model will soon commence, the Marshall Liberal government remains committed to further enhancing community safety, meeting community expectations and increasing access to police by extending police station opening hours at the Norwood, Henley Beach and Glenelg police stations. Prior to the election, and since that time, we listened to the community, and they made it clear that they want an extension of the opening hours of the Norwood, Henley Beach and Glenelg police stations. We remain committed to delivering extended opening hours at those police stations. Those election commitments are being worked through as part of the budget process.

The Marshall government is working closely with the police commissioner to deliver for the people of South Australia on its election commitment to extend the opening hours of police stations in Norwood, Henley Beach and Glenelg.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!