Young Repeat Offenders

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:17): Supplementary question, and I thank the Attorney for his answer. Would the Attorney concede that the comments by the police commissioner indicate that the current situation is not sufficient?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:17): I am not sure that is the case, and I have regular meetings with the police commissioner. I can't remember this being raised the last time I met with the police commissioner, but I look forward to it if it is something that the police commissioner wants raised and has ideas about how it might be addressed.

We do see, particularly in monthly figures, that figures go up and down. There are figures that have gone down—monthly figures, year-to-date figures—and other crime statistics that have gone up in year-to-date figures. I think the last Report on Government Services showed that we had one of the lowest, if not the lowest, recidivism rates of anywhere in Australia. As I say, I think we have demonstrated an openness and a willingness, and we will continue to do so for sensible reforms that are proposed.

The PRESIDENT: Members should be aware that today is the Hon. Mr Martin's birthday. Happy birthday, the Hon. Mr Martin.

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN: Point of order, Mr President: relevance.

The PRESIDENT: Well, you are still here. That is a good thing.