Police Officer of the Year Award

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Police. Can the minister tell the council about the recipient of the 2016 Rotary Club of Unley Incorporated Police Officer of the Year?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for his question because I would love to be able to advise the council of the recent Police Officer of the Year Award, provided through the 2016 Rotary Club of Unley Incorporated.

Since its inception in 1978, the annual SAPOL Police Officer of the Year Award has sought to highlight the service provided to our community by the South Australia Police and recognises outstanding acts of courtesy, courage, kindness, understanding, compassion and devotion to duty by any member of South Australia Police. Each year's winner is chosen by the Rotary Club of Unley from nominations received from individuals and groups in the community.

In February each year nominations for the Police Officer of the Year are called in advertisements in the Adelaide and local press, in notices posted in police stations and also in posters displayed by shopkeepers and businesses throughout the state. The high-quality and number of nominations received by the club each year demonstrates the high regard that the community holds for the members of South Australia Police and the importance that South Australians place on the Police Officer of the Year Award.

The prestigious award was again presented at a public ceremony held in Rundle Mall on 19  May to the Police Officer of the Year and that was Brevet Sergeant Peter Phillips. In receiving his award, Brevet Sergeant Peter Phillips becomes the 38^th recipient of the award and is recognised for his outstanding community policing performance. He will, for the next year, be affectionately nicknamed 'Pooty'.

Brevet Sergeant Phillips joined South Australia Police in 2005 and is currently posted at Mount Gambier Police Station, following postings as officer in charge at the Beachport Police Station, the Transit Police and Holden Hill Patrols, Intelligence Section and CIB.

His contribution to the local community goes beyond his police duties and includes working in his own time to develop the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club. He has worked with club juniors on beach days, liaised with sponsors and various government departments, as well as chairing the club committee. Brevet Sergeant Phillips has regularly attended meetings of the Beachport District Development Association to promote police and community relationships and cooperation when dealing with local issues.

In accepting his award, Brevet Sergeant Phillips spoke of the human side of policing and the unique role policing offered him to engage with his local community. I pass on my congratulations to Brevet Sergeant Phillips and wish him well for his future in the South Australia Police, and thank him for his service to the South Australian community. I also congratulate all of the other officers nominated for this award and thank all the members of the community who recognise the challenging work that front-line police officers face on a daily basis and sought to see that work acknowledged by nominating their local officer.