Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2022-05-05 Daily Xml

Contents

African Gang Violence

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General about gang violence.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: The shocking stabbing murder in Adelaide early morning on ANZAC Day has highlighted the extent to which troubled and violent African gang members are travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne in the apparent pursuit of vendettas.

As reported in 7NEWS, Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was concerned about the escalation in gang violence and his government would support police in any way it could, in terms of legislation or resourcing. As Attorney-General who has the responsibility to protect the rights of all South Australians, improving safety and contributing to an efficient and fairer justice system, my questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. What measures has the Attorney-General undertaken since the stabbing incident?

2. What legislative review will he be conducting and when?

3. What immediate resourcing will the government allocate to address this problem and improve safety for all South Australians?

4. What community consultations has the Attorney-General conducted so far with other ministers, government agencies and stakeholders?

5. Has he personally reached out to the African community leaders and multicultural peak bodies to offer his support?

6. If any of those consultations or meetings have taken place, when was it and what assistance has been offered?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for her question and I can indicate that I have written to the police commissioner to seek his advice on any legislative amendments that he thinks may be required to address the activities of these gangs in South Australia.