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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-05-18 Daily Xml
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Countering Violent Extremism Program

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Social Inclusion. Why hasn't the minister appointed South Australia's responsible person to deal with countering violent extremism, pursuant to the national agreement and, given her answers on 10 December last year, what action has her department taken to ensure it is dealing with the other agencies to identify this issue in South Australia?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:58): I thank the deputy leader for her question. We are interviewing currently and will make an announcement in the near future. I think we should be clear about what this role will be. As we work very closely in the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion with other agencies, including DECD and of course SAPOL, what this role will be is a point of contact. It is a point of contact for the community and to service providers. It is a pilot program that has been supported by the commonwealth for two years. It is a holistic program to strengthen the social cohesion across our community.

We are part of the national steering committee on this, and we continue to be informed about working out the best person. I think all of us here can understand that this has to be a sensitive position, a position the community feels they can approach and get information from, that can de-escalate and provide pathways. Let us be very clear that this is not a policing or security role. SAPOL, the AFP and, of course, our national security providers will still continue that role.

It is important that people understand how we engage. When I spoke to SAPOL recently they briefed me about how we currently work in this situation. There are very stringent ways we do things here, very clear pathways, and things can be escalated quite quickly, if necessary. We need to work with the community, and I know that SAPOL meets regularly with Islamic leaders. Also, SAMEAC has met many times with the Muslim communities, talking about these issues. I look forward to coming back to announce who will be in this role in the near future.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call to order the member for Morialta, I warn the member for Stuart, and I warn for the second and final time the leader and the deputy leader.

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