Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-09-26 Daily Xml

Contents

POLICE DNA LEGISLATION

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:44): My questions on DNA testing are to the minister representing the Minister for Police:

1. Will the minister provide details of whether it is acceptable for police officers to force individuals to give a DNA test without first clearing the process or getting permission from a senior officer, as is stated in the legislation?

2. Will the minister provide the number of DNA tests undertaken by police that did not relate to an investigation of an indictable offence, from July 2011 to September 2013?

3. Is the minister aware that the application paperwork used by police to obtain the DNA sample may not be lawful and within the legislative requirements, according to a number of legal practitioners in South Australia?

The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Police in the other place, may ignore the part of the question seeking an opinion.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:45): Thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for her questions and will refer the matter to the Minister for Police in another place and bring back a response.