Security Officer Licences

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:57): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Treasurer, representing the Attorney-General, a question regarding security officer licences.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I have been advised by constituents that there are significant delays in the processing of security officer licences. I have received advice that this process takes approximately eight to 12 weeks and that a majority of the delay relates to the time taken by SAPOL to conduct thorough background and probity checks. This issue was raised with the Attorney-General one year ago; however, I have been advised by constituents that there has been no improvement with the processing time frame since. My question to the Attorney-General, through the Treasurer, is: what is the average time frame to process security officer licences and what action will be taken to ensure that these licenses are processed in an expedient manner?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:58): I will refer the honourable member's question to the Attorney and bring back a reply.