Terrorist Incidents

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:55): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney update the house on what the government is doing to further protect South Australians from terrorist incidents?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:56): I thank the member for Colton for this question because, of course, in light of the attack on Christchurch last week—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens is warned.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: What word would you suggest?

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens is warned for a second and final time.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: The attack in Christchurch last week was a deep shock across the world and I think it was profoundly felt here in Australia, New Zealand being our close friend and neighbour and Christchurch being Adelaide's sister city. Since coming into office, the Marshall Liberal government has already acted to further protect South Australians during any terrorist incidents. I provide this further information to the house as an update.

We passed legislation last year, with the support of this parliament, clarifying the legal protections for police when shooting to kill a terrorist in declared incidents. Whilst there was some argument at the time as to whether this law was necessary, there was clearly uncertainty in the law and no police officer—our first responders in these circumstances—deserves to have the spectre of prosecution hanging over their head when acting to protect the public from those wishing to propagate terror.

We have continued to meet with SAPOL and were briefed about their work with communities, including the importance of being alert to the potential radicalisation of youth. We have also announced the development of a new rapid response capability that will enhance SAPOL's ability to safely resolve and respond to domestic crime and terrorist-related incidents. The ultimate objective of this will be to involve the deployment of highly visible, specially trained officers across the Adelaide metropolitan area, targeting at-risk crowded places, to respond to violent incidents in support of the first responders.

In the wake of the attack on Christchurch, I sent a letter to the commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon. Christian Porter MP, seeking a briefing at the forthcoming Attorneys-General meeting as to the readiness and capability of Australia to deal with terrorist incidents from both a national and state perspective, as well as the issue of detention of persons held without charge or conviction.

I further note the commonwealth Attorney-General's comments in relation to the live streaming of terrorist incidents on social media and the impact this is having, sowing terror and retraumatising victims. Whilst this aspect is primarily a federal jurisdictional matter and a complex issue to manage, this is something we are carefully monitoring. I want to assure the house that the South Australian government will do all it can to advance a cohesive and coordinated response to terrorist incidents to ensure the safety of our citizens.

The SPEAKER: The 20^th opposition question. The member for Elizabeth.