WEAPONS AMNESTY

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Police, a question in relation to a general weapons amnesty.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: On 1 April this year Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe announced a month-long weapons amnesty with a particular focus on knives. According to Victoria Police over 800 weapons were handed in, including machetes, swords, hunting knives, butcher's knives and flick knives.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008 victims of crime report, knives were the most prevalent weapons used in the categories of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, abduction and robbery. We are all aware that last weekend the city's West End was the scene of yet another violent and near fatal stabbing. With this in mind my question is: will the government follow the Victorian government's lead and announce a knife-specific amnesty or broaden the scope of future gun amnesties to include all weapons?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his question; he raises a matter of legitimate public concern. I know from my experiences as minister for police that the amnesties that take place from time to time are generally made on the recommendation of the Commissioner for Police. However, I am sure that, if the honourable member's suggestion is put to the commissioner by the Minister for Police, it will be given careful consideration.

We have had a number of amnesties at various times, and obviously their timing depends on a number of factors. However, as I said I will make sure the suggestion is conveyed to the minister for his, or the commissioner's, consideration.