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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-05-14 Daily Xml
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SAFE COMMUNITIES

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (15:02): My question is to the Deputy Premier, and—

An honourable member: If you can find it.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I've found it, thank you. As I said, my question is to the Attorney-General. What has the government done to deliver safer communities for South Australians over the past 100 days?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his question. During the last 100 days, there have been a number of measures the government has delivered which assist in our objective of securing safer communities. Since March of this year, serious firearms offenders, for example, now face a presumption against bail and a presumption against suspended sentences. In addition, anyone on conditional release in the community cannot possess a firearm unless they have a very good (and safe) reason to do so.

In addition to this, there has been a very successful rewards scheme introduced. This has resulted in the seizure of 35 illegal firearms, 12 arrests and six reports for a range of firearms offences. This government has also targeted graffiti vandals, with legislation passed in February of this year. The toughest penalty regime for repeat graffiti offenders in Australia now exists here in South Australia. For the first time, repeat graffiti vandals will face, amongst other things, loss of their driver's licence.

Community safety is also affected by new technologies. This government has introduced groundbreaking protections for the community against the unauthorised distribution of images on the internet. These new laws, which protect people from the unauthorised distribution of humiliating or degrading images, became operational last Thursday, and the government is also focused on getting the right results in the courts. Legislation passed in March this year gives the Director of Public Prosecutions the power to cross-appeal against any appeal against sentence. This takes away any free kick element that the defendant might previously have had in appealing to reduce his or her sentence.

The government has also created offences to stamp out corruption in sport and the gambling industry. We have provided new powers to South Australia Police to gain information from banks and other financial service providers in our fight against organised crime and we have improved the regulation of South Australia's security industry.

Finally, and most importantly, on 19 February this year the government appointed the Hon. Bruce Lander as South Australia's first Independent Commissioner Against Corruption. As those opposite will no doubt agree, his appointment demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that all levels of government in South Australia are safe from corruption.

The Hon. S.W. Key interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call the member for Ashford to order for interjecting on the Deputy Premier. The member for Stuart has a supplementary.

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