Question Time

Police Recruitment

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: We have not even started!

The PRESIDENT: That's right.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Speaking of tasers, I think you should have one to taser you when you open your mouth. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police a question about police recruitment.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: On 6 July, the Attorney-General, the Hon. John Rau, introduced three bills into parliament: the Police Complaints and Discipline Bill 2016, the Public Interest Disclosure Bill 2016 and the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2016. Common sense would dictate that one should consult key stakeholders before introducing a bill into parliament—that is a key responsibility of all of us as legislators.

In a letter from the President of the Police Association that arrived today, Mr Mark Carroll (a key body representing the 4,600 police officers) makes it clear that the Police Association was not consulted on any of these bills. I was confused, so I called Mr Carroll to get some background. Mr Carroll advised me that on Monday 4 July he met with minister Malinauskas in respect to another matter and, in passing, I think the minister asked the Police Association if they were aware of the aforementioned government bills. They advised the minister they were not, and that they were only aware of legislation that had been introduced by Vickie Chapman, the member for Bragg.

At 6.25pm, on that same night, the Police Association were sent what they called a settled copy of these bills, with my recollection of the conversation being, 'There may be just a few minor amendments, but these are the final copies, or settled copies, of these bills.' However, in an outrageous cloak-and-dagger move—less than 48 hours later, on Wednesday 6 July—the Attorney-General introduced significantly amended versions of these bills. It appears the Police Association was deliberately misled.

Previously, Mr Carroll has publicly stated that the Police Association has lost trust in Premier Weatherill, and his government, to deliver on the 313 recruitment promise. I dare say this devious, deceitful and unethical move will further diminish the trust and confidence that the Police Association has in the government. My questions are:

1. Why did the minister only consult the Police Association less than 48 hours before the bills were introduced to parliament and, may I dare say so, almost in passing?

2. Why was the Police Association sent versions of the bills that were significantly different from those introduced to parliament less than 48 hours later?

3. Has this action further destroyed the relationship between the Police Association and Premier Weatherill?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:21): Let me say from the outset that I have enormous regard for the Police Association of South Australia. They are an important union in our state. I think they do a very good job of going about the business of professionally representing police officers in this state. As police minister, I have to say that, in my view, they are a valued stakeholder and make important contributions to policing policy in the state of South Australia.

I think that I enjoy a good working relationship with the Police Association of South Australia. I have received correspondence, just in recent days, for another regular meeting that I am having with the Police Association. I look forward to discussing this issue, amongst many, and I look forward to that ongoing relationship succeeding in the future to ensure there is open and regular dialogue between the government and the Police Association regarding all matters to do with police.