South Australia Police

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the Attorney-General regarding offences against police officers in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Unfortunately, we have seen some terrible assaults on police officers in recent times. To that end, on 5 March this year the President of the Police Association of South Australia, Mr Wade Burns, appeared before the South Australian parliament's Select Committee on Support and Mental Health Services for Police. During the hearing, Mr Burns commented on what measures could be implemented to further support police officers in their work. He stated, and I quote:

More can be done [by] providing specific legislation to look after, support and protect police…we have provided to the Attorney-General some correspondence in relation to an offence of intimidate law enforcement officer…similar to the stalking, threatening-type offences, but it is tailored to police officers and their family members. That doesn't exist at the moment. They are things that [will make] police officers feel as though the legislation has their back, the government of the day has their back…and then the judiciary, if they use the legislation appropriately…

My questions to the Attorney are:

1. What was the Attorney's response to the Police Association's letter? If he hasn't yet responded, what is his thinking about what his response might be?

2. If the Attorney is so amenable, when might we see such a bill?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for his question and his genuine interest in the protection of the community and particularly the protection of those who serve us in keeping us safe.

In relation to the specific proposal that has been put forward by the Police Association, I will double-check, but, from memory, I have responded reasonably recently to the proposal that was put forward, noting that the underlying offences for those stalking and harassment-type offences are, if I remember correctly, already stronger in South Australia than they were in Victoria before Victoria brought in the specific ones in relation to police. It is certainly something we are open to in South Australia, and it is currently under consideration, I am pleased to report to the honourable member.