South Australia Police

Mr BATTY (Bragg) (15:18): My question is to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Is there a morale problem at SAPOL and, if so, what action is the minister taking to address it? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr BATTY: One officer recently told parliament that morale is at a very low point. The general theme is that management is out of touch with frontline officers and the members don't feel valued and supported.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN (Kavel—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Special Minister of State) (15:18): I thank the shadow minister for what is a very important question. The challenges in policing are real, and every day that every police officer heads out to protect our community they continue to face those challenges. This is a government that is particularly proud of those efforts. Every single officer of police is proud of those efforts too.

May I say this: I'm familiar and have become increasingly familiar through my course of service in this role with the immense commitment of every single member of South Australia Police, whether sworn or unsworn, and their families to serving our state. They are proud to do that work, they are very proud to do that work, but the challenges, as I indicated at the outset, are real and will continue to face South Australia Police. We look forward to the recommendations of a committee to which you have referred.