FOOTBALL HOOLIGANISM

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (7 December 2006).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning): The risk of flares being brought into and ignited inside the Hindmarsh Stadium by patrons is generally assessed by South Australia Police (SAPOL) as low for most matches. This is evidenced by the low offence statistics for matches in previous seasons. Events preceding the match on 1 December 2006 including some intelligence received increased that risk assessment, resulting in additional police and security staff being deployed to the venue. A total of 6 flares were ignited during the match and one Melbourne Victory supporter was arrested and charged in relation to igniting the flare. The persons responsible for the ignition of other flares were not identified at this time. A further five persons (four from Victoria and one from South Australia) were arrested for other behavioural offences during the evening, with 15 others evicted for various offences.

Weslo Security is the private security company engaged by Hindmarsh Stadium management to manage entry of patrons into the venue to provide a security presence inside the ground, licensed areas and on the playing arena. SAPOL provides a dedicated policing presence inside and outside the venue both during and post match. Weslo Security operates in conjunction with SAPOL during the event and the management of both agencies is centrally coordinated during the match. As a result any incidents or information received at the match are immediately reported to both Weslo and SAPOL.

Hindmarsh Stadium advertises ‘conditions of entry' which include voluntary bag searches. Items banned from the stadium as part of those conditions of entry include banners, flags, signs and other items considered inappropriate such as flares. There is no legislative power existing under Regulations under the Recreation Grounds (Regulations) Act 1996 for agents of the organisers or police to forcibly search spectators' bags (unless lawful criteria exists under other legislation, e.g. Section 68 Summary Offences Act 1953). The responsibility for controlling and enforcing the conditions of entry rests with the venue management and Weslo Security.

Weslo Security and stadium management enforce these conditions (including the searching of patrons' bags as a condition of entry) and may refuse entry to persons with objects that do not comply with the identified conditions or where permission to check bags is refused. Possession of Fireworks and Flares is an offence (Reg 14.01 Explosives Regulations, 1996 and under the Recreation of Grounds Regulations 1996 (Reg 8). Persons found in possession of such items can be reported, arrested and/or evicted from the ground as the circumstances dictate.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is installed at Hindmarsh Stadium and is utilised by the Police and Security Commanders to monitor and record events occurring inside the stadium. CCTV was utilised during this match.