POLICE, INDIGENOUS STAFF

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Correctional Services, representing the Minister for Police, a question about the number of indigenous staff employed by SAPOL.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: In 2006-07, there were 62 full-time employed indigenous staff, which represented 1.2 per cent of total FTE staff employed by SAPOL. In 2007-08, the number of indigenous staff is listed as 63, and indigenous staff still represent just 1.2 per cent of SAPOL's FTE staff. The strategic benchmark currently stands at 2 per cent. What is the police minister doing to address the situation to see that recruitment of indigenous staff is improved to at least the benchmark of 2 per cent?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for his question relating to indigenous staff employed by SAPOL. I will refer his question to the Minister for Police in the other place and bring back a response. Of course, the honourable member would know that the employment of SAPOL staff is the responsibility of the Police Commissioner but, nonetheless, I will refer that question to the minister in the other place and bring back a response.