State Budget

Mr MURRAY (Davenport) (15:04): My question is directed to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. I would ask the minister whether he could advise the house about the investments the Marshall Liberal government is making in order to build a safer and more secure South Australia?

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for the question. South Australia at the moment would arguably have to be one of the most safe and secure places in all of the world. Our government is proud to be investing in a whole range of measures—in fact, over $93 million in the 2020-21 state budget to strengthen the safety and the security of South Australians.

Whether it is at the border, at the Airport, processing travel applications, screening in the Central Assessment Unit or also helping out at the medi-hotel operations, our police, sir, are doing a sterling job, as you would appreciate. SAPOL have worked incredibly hard to keep us safe, and the 2020-21 state budget includes over $21 million over the next four years to increase police resources so that SAPOL can continue to respond to COVID-19.

Also in the budget is over $8 million for new personal-issue stab and bullet-resistant vests. Not only did we deliver on our election commitment of the trial but we have gone above and beyond. We want to make sure that we protect those who protect us. Of course, we have also delivered on our election promise to fund a three-month trial, as I alluded to.

Mr Speaker, another historic funding moment you would have seen is in regard to Crime Stoppers. Of course, those opposite ignored Crime Stoppers for an extended period of time. Until now, Crime Stoppers SA never received—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members on my right!

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: —direct funding from the former state government—not a single cent. However, thanks to the strong leadership of our team, Crime Stoppers will receive more than $800,000 over the forward estimates. The Marshall Liberal government are supporting South Australian police to protect our communities, and we are investing in their safety too. We are building a safer South Australia and we are building what matters.