❓ A parliamentary question regarding the reduction in crime rates in Western Australia over the past two years under the Liberal-National Government, followed by the Minister's response highlighting crime reduction statistics and initiatives.
AnsweredQoN 553Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CRIME RATES — LAW AND ORDER AGENDA
I acknowledge the year 6 students from the Kingsway Christian College in the Speaker’s gallery. Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the Liberal–National Government’s coming into office. I for one am proud of the record that we on this side of the house have achieved in a range of areas, especially in law and order. Will the minister please update the house on reductions in crime achieved in the past two years thanks to this government’s strong law and order agenda? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I acknowledge the year 6 students from the Kingsway Christian College in the Speaker’s gallery. Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the Liberal–National Government’s coming into office. I for one am proud of the record that we on this side of the house have achieved in a range of areas, especially in law and order. Will the minister please update the house on reductions in crime achieved in the past two years thanks to this government’s strong law and order agenda? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the Liberal–National Government’s coming into office. I for one am proud of the record that we on this side of the house have achieved in a range of areas, especially in law and order. Will the minister please update the house on reductions in crime achieved in the past two years thanks to this government’s strong law and order agenda? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the Liberal–National Government’s coming into office. I for one am proud of the record that we on this side of the house have achieved in a range of areas, especially in law and order. Will the minister please update the house on reductions in crime achieved in the past two years thanks to this government’s strong law and order agenda? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Before I answer the question, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, I welcome the students from Glencoe Primary School who are in your gallery today, Mr Speaker. I understand the Deputy Premier even treated them to lunch, which was very generous of him. The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
The member for Wanneroo is quite right: tomorrow is a very significant day. It marks two years of the Liberal–National government’s coming into power. It marks two years of strong leadership and tough law and order legislation and action by this government after seven and a half years of the weak, wishy-washy approach to law and order that the people of Western Australia had to suffer. The former Labor government should be ashamed of what it did. We are very proud of what we have achieved. Yes, there are some recent figures. Since the Liberal–National government came into office in September 2008, overall reported crime in Western Australia has fallen 17.4 per cent. That is magnificent. Reported crimes against property are down 20 per cent in the 12 months to the end of August 2010 compared with the same period in 2008 under the Labor government. The Liberal–National government’s law and order initiatives and legislation have successfully started to reverse eight years of Labor’s soft-on-crime approach. This government has put more police on the streets; it has resourced police to conduct more targeted and intelligence-based policing operations; it has better rehabilitated repeat offenders; it has seen a far more stringent approach to parole; it has taken more serious offenders off our streets; and, significantly, it has expanded delivery of rehabilitative programs in our jails. Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Let me give members opposite some more figures; I know they love figures. Key reductions in reported crime in the 12 months to August 2010, compared with the same period in 2008 under the government of members opposite, are as follows: burglaries at dwellings, a 17.1 per cent reduction, which is down 4 513 offences; burglaries at non-dwellings, 36.7 per cent, down 4 660 offences; theft, 20.6 per cent, down 17 160; motor vehicle theft, 19.7 per cent, down 1 536; property damage, 16.2 per cent, down 7 367; arson, 12.9 per cent, down 179; and non-domestic assaults, a reduction of 4.9 per cent, which is down 697 offences. Although these latest statistics are something of a comfort to the people of WA through passing legislation and good policing to try to keep our community safer, in the past 12 months to the end of August, 5 110 weapons have been seized by WA Police. What is even more concerning is that 3 515 offences committed against people involved the use of a weapon, which shows that offenders have not been deterred from carrying a weapon and using it to threaten, intimidate and harm members of the community. I do not want to see weapon possession and use become widespread in Western Australia, as it has in some other jurisdictions, which is why the state government is determined to ensure that police have the powers to remove weapons from people in designated areas, such as entertainment districts. I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
I think our record speaks for itself, and, in view of the reduction in crime, although the carrying of weapons is still an area that we cannot tolerate — Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : Is it really, really good or really, really bad? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It has decreased, but not far enough. Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : You’re not sure, are you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is why we need that weak, wishy-washy former Labor government to actually come to the game and actually support the stop-and-search laws. Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
Mr P. Papalia : Why? The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
The ACTING SPEAKER : Before I give the Leader of the Opposition the call, I will formally call to order for the first time today the member for Warnbro. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.
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