Port Augusta Prison

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:15): A supplementary arising out of the minister's answer: given the minister has indicated that the reasons for not releasing public information was that there was no risk to public safety, is the minister indicating that his policy in the future will be that if there is no risk to public safety but in the event that there was an attempt to escape and prison officers were hurt or injured, the minister would not be releasing that information publicly either?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:15): I am advised there were no prisoners or officers injured during the course of the event. There is no secrecy. You have asked me a question. I have answered it with an extraordinary amount of detail and provided you with a detailed description of exactly what has transpired. There is no attempt to hide anything here. There is no attempt to not disclose anything. I am happy to answer your questions. I would have thought this was entirely appropriate.

I don't put out a press release every time an incident unfolds in the prison. I don't stand up and seek to make a ministerial statement every time an incident occurs within the prison. There is no attempt to hide anything. I have answered your question in full detail; in fact, I have provided you with infinitely more detail than you have sought. I am happy to be transparent. It is a good policy and that is exactly what is taking place here.