❓ Question regarding the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and whether the Minister was briefed on the reasons, referencing the Premier's commitment to police integrity.
AnsweredQoN 568Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton. Mr A.J. Carpenter : Does the paper arrive late at your place? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Opinions are like backsides - everyone has one and we do not want to hear the ministers. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : Does the paper arrive late at your place? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Opinions are like backsides - everyone has one and we do not want to hear the ministers. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Opinions are like backsides - everyone has one and we do not want to hear the ministers. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : Does the paper arrive late at your place? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Opinions are like backsides - everyone has one and we do not want to hear the ministers. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Opinions are like backsides - everyone has one and we do not want to hear the ministers. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Everyone seems to be in a good mood today, Mr Speaker. I think it has something to do with the colours. This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
This is a serious issue. I repeat: I refer the minister to the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Tim Atherton and remind her of the Premier’s statement on 24 June 2002 at the outset of the police royal commission when he said that Western Australians need a Police Service that is open, accountable, professional and respected for its integrity. (1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(1) Has the Commissioner of Police briefed the minister on the reasons for the deputy’s resignation? (2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(2) If yes, what were the reasons? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
(1)-(2) I too have been waiting for a question from the shadow spokesperson for police on this matter - at least I have not had to wait as long as the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The answer to the question is yes, I have been briefed by the commissioner in broad terms. I note that in his preamble the member referred to the royal commission and the comments the Premier made at the time. The Premier no doubt stands by those comments; I stand by those comments too. The Commissioner of Police, Dr Karl O’Callaghan, stated in the strongest possible terms when he took over the job as Commissioner of Police that he would hold senior management accountable for their performance and conduct and that he expected officers in senior positions to be exemplary role models. Post the royal commission, we have essentially set up a body that has the powers of a standing royal commission in the Corruption and Crime Commission. The Commissioner of Police, twice last week that I am aware of, met with officers of the CCC and went through the issues involved there. I think that was an appropriate action to take. Subsequent to that, he said he would hand them the whole file on the matter shortly.
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