Premier's Taskforce

Mr BATTY (Bragg) (14:39): Has the government accepted all the recommendations of the Premier's Taskforce?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN (Kavel—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Special Minister of State) (14:39): As I say, and I think it does bear repeating, this is a government that has not sat idle in relation to the crisis that had existed in South Australia Police right up until the moment two very substantial investment streams were made: the first, of course, to accelerate, support and enhance the recruitment of police constables, and the second to ensure that there was adequate investment to see through a program of recruitment for police security officers. Taken together, this is a substantial, necessary, important, vital investment.

As I have earlier said but I think bears repeating—and the shadow minister invites me to repeat by pursuing these matters—it would have been obvious to the former government approximately halfway through the term. It is of deep concern to me that ministers at that time sat idle and did not address the crisis that at that time would have been plain on its face: that we were going to face a situation where the most elementary obligation of government was not being met, and that is to ensure that sufficient resources are available to recruit and train the best men and women in South Australia who will serve us in uniform in South Australia Police.

Any minister who faced the information coming to government must have realised that there was not sufficient investment. So, much more than relying on mere papers, relying on mere procedural processes, actual decisions were taken. The two most essential decisions that were taken were first $12 million for additional police recruitment and of course, as you know, more than $80 million in relation to police security officers. It is one thing to be concerned about the type of pursuit—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: It is one thing, as I say—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Minister, I am really running out of patience. I am controlling the chamber: your job is to answer the questions.

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN: I am endeavouring to do that, Mr Speaker. As I say, the very substantial investments that have been made are more important than mere reflection.