SAPOL Firearms and Weapons

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:02): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the minister representing the Minister for Police on the topic of SAPOL firearms and weapons storage and safeguarding.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Members will be well aware that in New South Wales in recent weeks the tragic deaths of Jesse and Luke, two young men, at the hands, allegedly, of a serving police officer and, allegedly, by a police firearm have shocked not just that community but, I think, the whole of the nation. That serving officer was able to take out of the station into his possession a firearm of the New South Wales police for at least several days, and it is still unclear whether it was then stored at his home, at another station or a combination of both. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can SAPOL weapons, be they firearms or other weapons, be booked out by staff who are not on duty?

2. If they can, what measures are put in place to ensure they are safely stored or safeguarded in general?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am sure all in this place would extend their sympathies to the family and friends of those whose lives were lost in the tragic circumstances. I will refer the question to the Minister for Police in the other place and bring back a response in terms of what the arrangements are in this jurisdiction.