Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-05-08 Daily Xml

Contents

OPERATION SWEDE

257 The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (2 April 2008). What are the aims and objectives of Operation Swede?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning): Operation Swede was commenced in March 2008 by Adelaide Local Service Area. The aims and objectives of the operation were to ensure the safety of the public and ensure that unlawful behaviour is appropriately dealt with in the Rundle Mall environs.

The operation was in response to many complaints concerning the behaviour of a group of religious preachers in Rundle Mall, Adelaide. Their alleged behaviour had escalated over a period of 12 months.

SAPOL has worked closely with the Adelaide City Council on the issue for several months.

Members of SAPOL had previously advised the people concerned that their behaviour was unlawful in that it was likely to lead to a breach of the peace and they were moved on pursuant to provisions of the Summary Offences Act.

On 14 March 2008 three men were arrested and charged with behaving in a disorderly manner. These charges did not arise from the fact that they were preaching but from the alleged manner in which they were doing so. The people arrested were released on bail with conditions, including not returning to Rundle Mall.