Ice Addiction

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:30): A supplementary: is the minister aware of any research done by SAPOL, or any other body, as to why ice use appears to be more prevalent here than in any other state? Are there any particular reasons?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:30): I am not aware of any such research. I think SAPOL is very focused on getting on with the job of trying to crack down on illicit drug use and, just as importantly, drug consumption. I am not aware of any specific research along those lines. Like I said, this is an issue that we do take seriously. The government and SAPOL take this issue seriously which is why, as I outlined, we are putting a number of strategies in place to make sure it is dealt with.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: After 14 years we lead the nation in more people using drugs here, illicit drugs, than in any other state. We lead the nation.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I call the Hon. Ms Lensink.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, do not get hooked on the bait they are throwing you. You answered the question quite well, let's leave it at that. The Hon. Ms Lensink.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: What do you mean? Are you the umpire?

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Point of order, Mr President. I did raise with you earlier this week about making political statements from the Chair and I would ask you to not continue to do that.

The PRESIDENT: I think more of a travesty in this place is the constant interruptions of ministers trying to give answers. This is question time.

The Hon. J.M.A. Lensink: Yes, by their own.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: And it's not statement from the Chair time.

The PRESIDENT: Right through the minister's contribution you interrupted.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Only the last little bit.

The PRESIDENT: No, you did it all the way through. And the minister ought to answer the question, sit down and let me get on to the Hon. Ms Lensink.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: And it doesn't need a commentary from you as to how good it was.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Lensink.