WEAPONS AMNESTY

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:57): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Police, a question about a broader weapons amnesty.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: The leader may recall that on 26 May this year I asked him to consider a weapons amnesty that would be broader than the Rann government's previous gun focused amnesty. My suggestion was made in light of the Victorian weapons amnesty which was announced in April 2010 and which resulted in more than 800 weapons being handed in, including machetes, swords, hunting knives, butchers' knives and flick knives.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008 Victims of Crime Report indicates that knives are the most prevalent weapons used in the categories of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, abduction and robbery. Indeed, the RMIT University criminologist Associate Professor Julian Bondy recently has warned again that the weapon of choice for many is now the knife. In response to my question, the leader indicated that he would convey my concern to the Minister for Police or the Police Commissioner for consideration and response. My questions are:

1. What was the response from the Minister for Police and/or police commissioner?

2. If there has not been a response, will the Leader of the Government undertake to make further representation and report back with a response before the end of the sitting year?

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) (14:59): I am happy to again refer that matter to the Minister for Police. Generally speaking, I know from my time as police minister that the government acts on the advice of the police commissioner in relation to such matters. Obviously, the effectiveness or desirability of such a measure will depend on the police assessment of the scope of the problem and their capacity to deal with any amnesty. However, I am happy to refer that matter to the—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, I guess it really is up to the police commissioner in relation to this matter; he is responsible for the resources of the police department. I am sure the police commissioner does have these from time to time, and he may well be considering the matter. I am not aware of any response to it, but I am certainly happy again to take up the matter with the police minister and try to get a response for the honourable member.