POLICE RESOURCES

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:45): As a supplementary question, given that every other jurisdiction in Australia and, I guess, in most First World countries, use Tasers, what is the matter with our police that makes them inadequate to use the equipment? Is the minister suggesting that our police are inferior to others within Australia?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:45): The South Australian police force is held in higher esteem than any other police force in this country, and one reason is that it is a very disciplined and well-run force. It has an excellent Police Commissioner, who has held the position for over 10 years and, as a result of the calibre of those running the force, we have the most respected police force in this country. The police force in this state does not act on the whim of the opposition or other members who are seeking to gain political points. Indeed, the issues raised by the Police Association will be not only properly considered but also carefully considered. It will not act on a whim, and that is why the South Australia Police is held in such high regard within this country.