Police Stations

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:08): A supplementary arising from the minister's answer: why is it that the Salisbury Police Station will now be closed at the times, according to SAPOL's own figures, when it was most utilised by members of the public?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:09): I don't accept the premise of that question. As again has been stated—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS: As has been stated on multiple occasions in this place, there is a very important distinction that exists between the government, or indeed the minister of the day, and the police commissioner's capacity to be able to operate the police force in the way that is most productive and also most effective and efficient on behalf of the South Australian taxpayer.

If the Hon. Mr Dawkins or the Hon. Mr Brokenshire think they can do a better job of running the South Australian police force, then they should apply the next time a vacancy comes up for Commissioner of Police. I know that the ambition of the Hon. Mr Brokenshire knows no bounds, as we have seen in recent weeks from reports, but I would counsel them, as much respect as I have for the Hon. Mr Brokenshire and the Hon. Mr Dawkins, both of whom I hold in high regard, to stick to the task of legislating, rather than seeking to run the South Australian police force rather than the police commissioner himself.