Liquor Licensing

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:02): My questions are to the Minister for Police:

1. What are the functions and mandate of the licensing enforcement branch of SAPOL?

2. What are the staffing levels and budget of this branch?

3. How does this amount of police resources compare to that which is committed to eradicating the scourge of methamphetamine in this state?

4. Is the minister seriously considering breath testing hospitality workers in licensed venues?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:02): I am happy to confirm that I don't personally have any intention to start breath testing those people working in licensed premises. However, it is, of course, my expectation as the Minister for Police that all members of SAPOL seek to enforce the law, or the areas of law they are responsible for, whatever the law may be, as determined by forums such as the one we are in right now.

Regarding the licensing enforcement branch, it is an important function within SAPOL. The licensing enforcement branch has an important job to do to ensure that those members within the hospitality industry, amongst others, who are serving alcohol are doing it in a way that is compliant with the law that this parliament has established. Regarding its specific number of resources, that is a question that is entirely a matter for the Commissioner of Police. He determines what SAPOL will do with the extraordinary and record level of resources that are allocated to him by this government. I am more than happy to get that information for the honourable member and provide it accordingly.