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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-04-30 Daily Xml
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POLICE TATTOO

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police a question about the SA Police Tattoo.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: The Police Commissioner announced today that Mr Todd McKenney will host the South Australia Police Tattoo this coming weekend. As you would know, Mr President, South Australians have been treated to extensive accounts of recent happenings in Mr McKenney's life. My questions are:

1. Did the minister have any discussion with the Police Commissioner about the matter of Mr McKenney's appearance at the SA Police Tattoo?

2. Irrespective of whether the minister had any discussions with the Police Commissioner, did the minister, or any person on his behalf, convey any view on this matter to the Police Commissioner?

3. What is the cost to South Australian taxpayers of Mr McKenney's attendance here and appearance at the South Australia Police Tattoo?

4. While Mr McKenney is in Adelaide, can the minister assure the community that South Australia Police will provide sufficient security to ensure that Mr McKenney does not encounter the same misfortunes he has experienced elsewhere?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:19): I have not personally spoken to the Police Commissioner. However, when I became aware of this matter, when I returned from overseas on Sunday, I asked my office to contact the Commissioner for his response in relation to this matter. I am aware that the Police Commissioner has considered the matter, and he has put out a statement today. In that statement, the Police Commissioner said:

Mr McKenney will now perform at the Commonwealth Bank Police Tattoo.

Mr McKenney's arrest and charges in New South Wales are serious matters and his situation presented us with a difficult problem to resolve. South Australia Police does not condone illicit drug use in any shape or form. That said, the current facts of this situation are New South Wales Police are investigating the incident and the substance in question has not yet been analysed.

Mr McKenney has also publicly declared his intent to vigorously defend himself against the allegations and it is not possible to predict the outcome.

Mr McKenney has been engaged as an entertainer, he is not representing South Australia Police, so we need to view his involvement with the Tattoo within that context. We also have considered that many people—

because it is not just a matter of how much he is paid—

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: Well, how much is he being paid?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, I do not know. I will take that part on notice, but let me make the point that, if it had not been done, there would be a question presumably of some compensation. So, if one is going to talk about costs, one needs to consider that as well. The police Commissioner's statement continues:

Mr McKenney has been engaged as an entertainer, he is not representing South Australia Police, so we need to view his involvement with the Tattoo within that context. We have also considered that many people have bought their tickets in good faith, to see Mr McKenney. Mr McKenney's appearance at the Tattoo should not be regarded as either public or tacit support from South Australia Police for Mr McKenney's circumstances in New South Wales.

I endorse the decision of the Police Commissioner.

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