Anzac Highway Bus Lanes

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:24): Supplementary question: I accept that the minister is going to leave it in the hands of the commissioner, so maybe he could also find out: is SAPOL conducting a review into all fines issued throughout that trial period? I know it is a bit rude, but it is the last week before the winter break, so I will put three supplementaries to the minister. The second is: should it be found that fines have been issued, and in some cases paid, will SAPOL issue a refund? And the third supplementary: will SAPOL be proactive in issuing a refund or do fine payers have to apply for their refund?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:24): The honourable member would be aware of the fact that, as I said earlier, the authority for expiation notices sits entirely with the Commissioner of Police. As a matter of law, the Minister for Police does not have authority over the issuing of expiation notices or the withdrawal of them.

Having said that, I understand that my office is seeking a brief from SAPOL regarding this particular issue to seek some advice as to what is SAPOL's policy with respect to this particular issue on Anzac Highway. As that information comes to light I will be more than happy to share it with the honourable member.