POLICE RECRUITMENT

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister, representing the Minister for Police, questions about South Australia's police recruitment policies.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Recently my office learnt of the failure of the South Australia Police to recruit an international police officer through failing to recognise his prior service. This man had risen through the ranks of the South African police service from uniformed officer to VIP protection, to detective and ultimately inspector. However, South Africa can be a very dangerous place and he sought a safer city to call home for his family.

Having decided to move to Australia, he decided on South Australia as this offered the lifestyle he hoped for. He also looked forward to resuming his career with the South Australian police force. A year after migrating, and having first obtained permanent residency, he pursued his original intention and applied to the South Australia Police. He included his South African police force service number and numerous references from high-ranking officials in the full expectation that his prior service and experience would be recognised and valued.

Having completed his medical, psychological and other preliminary assessments, and due to start at the Fort Largs Police Academy, he inquired with his recruitment officer what recognition he would receive for his prior service, knowing that recruits from the United Kingdom were exempt from some requirements and were able to undertake some exams earlier than local recruits. The response was as blunt as it was condescending.

He was told he would receive no recognition for his extended service and position in South Africa and would be required to undertake the full training period and would graduate as a probationary constable. Understandably, he viewed being forced to join the ranks of the fresh-faced probationary constables as demeaning, believing he had done his time riding the police pushbikes and doing the grunt work. Lamentably he instead chose to pursue a career in the private sector.

To illustrate this point, compare this gentleman's experience with that of one his colleagues from the South African police service who was recruited by the Western Australian police force. Like the gentleman I referred to, he had also risen to the rank of inspector. In recognition of his service in South Africa, however, he was required to undertake only a shortened three-month training course to familiarise himself with Western Australian laws, and on graduation was elevated three ranks to senior constable, with the main role of supervising and mentoring junior officers. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does the minister agree that the South Australia Police have missed out on this man's extensive experience and knowledge?

2. Does SAPOL recognise an international recruit's prior police service and, if so, how?

3. Has SAPOL reviewed why recruits from the United Kingdom have left in droves, as has been reported to me and, if so, will the minister detail the outcome of that review?

4. Given that South Australia has an ongoing shortage of detectives, will the minister review SAPOL's international recruitment policy to enable suitably qualified recruits to transition into such roles?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:14): I thank the honourable member for her most important question and undertake to take the question to the Minister for Police in another place and seek a response on her behalf.