Commissioner of Police

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:02): I have a supplementary question arising out of the answer. The minister has cleverly avoided the question. I accept, as the minister has indicated, that he expects the police commissioner and police officers to comply with the department's policy. My question is: does he have a concern, as police minister, that this policy can raise perceptions of a conflict of interest? If businesses can give significant gifts to the partners and wives of police officers generally—let's put the police commissioner aside—and that does not have to be revealed in any way, does he as minister have any concerns about that as a policy issue? If he does, is he prepared to consider what, if anything, might be done about it?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:03): I would be concerned about any policy or procedure that does not seek to retain or maintain public confidence in the operation of the police. I am not aware, and I do not recall being advised, of any circumstances where any police officers' partners have been in receipt of substantial gifts and for what purpose that would occur. I am not aware or have been advised of any such circumstances.

Of course, all policies and procedures should be reviewed, and if there is reason to update them then that is something for consideration. I just want to reiterate: what is Mr Lucas' objective here? Is it to call into question the integrity of the police commissioner, who I think is a decent man doing a good job, or not? I hope it is not. Again, policies and procedures are expected to be complied with and I haven't been presented with any evidence as yet to suggest that this hasn't been the case.