Community Forums

Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Why was the member for King allowed to host a crime forum at the Salisbury Command Fire Station, yet educational—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right.

Mr ODENWALDER: Would you like me to—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members on my right and members on my left are reminded that the questioner is entitled to be heard in silence. The member for Elizabeth has the call. I am listening carefully to the member for Elizabeth's question.

Mr ODENWALDER: Thank you, sir, I value your protection. Why was the member for King allowed to host a crime forum at the Salisbury fire station, yet educational station tours for schools and kindergarten groups have ceased due to COVID-19? With your leave and that of the house, sir, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr ODENWALDER: The MFS website states that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, educational station tours have ceased. The website goes on to say, 'This difficult decision has been made to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and our emergency service personnel.'

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services) (15:00): I thank the member for Elizabeth for the question. As I have pointed out before, I believe that the member for King made these booking arrangements. I also have been advised this morning that some comments were made that I believe that new builds may also have capability to facilitate public meetings, including, for example, a local MP to host interest groups for community benefit.

We know that there has been some disruption during COVID. What I will do is, on behalf of the member for Elizabeth, I will make those inquiries. If there has been some disruption because of COVID—just like in the rest of the world—if there are some things that were done that can be done again, I will make inquiries. I see no reason why those types of tours would be held up, but I will certainly make an inquiry and come back to the member.