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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-06-16 Daily Xml
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Australian Police Medal

Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Police. Can the minister inform the house about recognition of the contribution made to the South Australian community by members of South Australia Police who recently received Queen's Birthday Honours?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services) (14:45): I thank the member for his question. It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of all members in this place, to recognise the worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal, those individuals who were recognised as part of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours celebrations.

Three SAPOL officers from diverse operational backgrounds have been recognised this year and awarded the Australian Police Medal. The South Australian community is incredibly fortunate to have such incredibly capable and committed police officers serving us and them. Constable Deborah Gibson has served as a Victim Contact Officer within the Major Crime Investigation Branch for the past 14 years, most recently supporting victims' families through some of the most traumatic experiences imaginable.

Constable Gibson has been recognised for her unwavering support for victims and readiness to go above and beyond the call of duty. The strong ongoing bonds that Constable Gibson has developed with the families and loved ones of victims is a testament to her compassion and her dedication. She is a credit to herself and the uniform that she wears.

Superintendent Paul Roberts has led the Far North Local Service Area, which constitutes 73 per cent of South Australia's landmass, since 2016. He is responsible for the provision of police services throughout this area, which includes the APY lands, Olympic Dam, Woomera Test Range and the Moomba gas fields.

Superintendent Roberts' management of the COVID emergency, including his leadership in establishing the remote and vulnerable communities zone emergency management group, played a key role in keeping the community safe in the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent Roberts' longstanding and distinguished service to communities of the Far North, particularly Aboriginal communities, is something that he is proud of, and I know we all are proud of.

Senior Sergeant First Class Grant Watterson is a widely respected leader overseeing prosecution services to diversion court, Nunga Court, Family Violence Court and Youth Court. Senior Sergeant Watterson displays the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and care for all those engaged in the justice system.

With today's busy world and myriad things competing for our attention, we do not always have time to focus on recognising those amongst us in our community who serve and protect so diligently and with such professionalism. I welcome this opportunity to extend my thanks and the thanks of the government to these three individuals for a job well done.

I also recognise that these three individuals represent the broader police force and that there are countless other officers working hard in often challenging circumstances to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community. For that, I also extend my thanks to the South Australian police community and their families.

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