Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-08-08 Daily Xml

Contents

Police, Sexual Harassment

The Hon. S.G. WADE (15:02): In the minister's meeting with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, did the commissioner raise any concerns in relation to the implementation of her report?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:02): I am sure the honourable member will appreciate that discussions that happen in a confidential context in various places should be kept that way. That being said, I am happy to share with the Hon. Mr Wade that the sentiment and the reflections that have been conveyed to me by a number of sources, including the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, are by and large overwhelmingly positive in respect of the way that police are engaging with this exercise.

However, as the Equal Opportunity Commission has acknowledged—certainly to me and I think it is well known in the community generally—cultural change takes time. One of the efforts that is sought to be achieved here is a substantial shift in cultural attitudes and that takes time. However, the feedback that I have received thus far—and I continue to seek updates on this particular effort—is that the process is working well but will be underway for some time.