South Australia Police

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:39): I would like clarification from the minister. Does he regard compliance with statutory obligations on the police as operational matters?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:39): I regard that all matters involving police operations are a matter for the police commissioner. There is a longstanding tradition within government across the Westminster system that governments should not be seeking to interfere or impose upon police commissioners, or those leading the South Australian police force, how to do their job.

It is reasonable for the South Australian public to take confidence in the fact that it is for the government to make sure that the South Australian police force is adequately resourced to be able to meet reasonable expectations, but I do believe passionately that the independence of the police force to be able to conduct themselves operationally as they see fit is something that's worth preserving.