CRIME GANGS TASK FORCE

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:44): As the minister stated, you recovered some semi-automatic weapons from the bikies. Given that they seem to be the weapon of choice for the bikies, when will you introduce semi-automatic hand guns to our police officers?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:44): The honourable member probably has not been listening. He would know that semi-automatic firearms are intended to be introduced into a couple of local service areas on a trial basis. I believe the contracts have been—

The Hon. T.J. Stephens interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, I am not sure at what stage the contracts are; I will find out exactly what stage has been reached. Obviously, they have to be let for the supply of the new firearms, but they will be progressively introduced across the police service subject to the success of the trial. It is important that police officers be properly trained in any new firearm that is introduced.

I repeat the point that there is absolutely no threat that can be established that police officers are suffering in relation to the use of the firearms that they currently have. Indeed, in relation to the raids that I was just talking about, which involved the Star Force, they would have access to the best available firearms and other equipment required for them to do their job.