❓ The Minister for Agriculture and Food updates the house on the progress of addressing rural crime, highlighting the establishment of the livestock compliance unit and criticising the previous government's actions.
AnsweredQoN 237Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RURAL CRIME SQUAD
Can the minister please update the house on progress on the government’s announcement to address the problem of rural-related crime? Mr D.T. REDMAN
Can the minister please update the house on progress on the government’s announcement to address the problem of rural-related crime? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for his question and I appreciate his interest in this matter. Members may be aware of the announcement made by the Minister for Police some time ago concerning the rural crime squad. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for his question and I appreciate his interest in this matter. Members may be aware of the announcement made by the Minister for Police some time ago concerning the rural crime squad. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for his question and I appreciate his interest in this matter. Members may be aware of the announcement made by the Minister for Police some time ago concerning the rural crime squad. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for his question and I appreciate his interest in this matter. Members may be aware of the announcement made by the Minister for Police some time ago concerning the rural crime squad. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for his question and I appreciate his interest in this matter. Members may be aware of the announcement made by the Minister for Police some time ago concerning the rural crime squad. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, you are sitting next to a member who is also a serial offender—not to your left; to your right. This is the last answer in question time, and I would like to have the member for Albany, in particular, remain quiet through it. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I have the organisation to deal with the member for Albany; it is called the livestock compliance unit. Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Several members interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is interesting that when the opposition was in government, it canned the rural stock squad in June last year and it shut down police stations. The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : I formally call to order for the first time the members for North West, West Swan and Girrawheen. Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : The previous government closed the rural crime squad in June 2008, and it closed regional police stations. We have taken the steps to reinstate some of these services to regional communities. Clearly, policing is one of those, and that was highlighted by the Minister for Police. Also core to regional communities, particularly farming communities, was what was called the rural crime squad. A unique arrangement has been made between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the police. That is to put in place the livestock compliance unit, in which there will be six inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Food trained by our police, particularly in investigative matters. In a very smart way—this goes a bit beyond what those on the other side did—we have been able to draw together the skills, the expertise, the knowledge and the understanding of livestock in our regional communities, and of course we have the backing of our own police force. From what happened yesterday, Mr Speaker, you know what our position is on WA Police. These inspectors will be vested by the — Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for North West! Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : If the member will listen, he will get a response to that. These people will be vested by the commissioner with the powers of special constables to conduct inspections and investigative activities into livestock crime. That is a step — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : In the other place, when a questioner left the house, the minister was not able to continue giving the answer. The question has been asked and the member has left the house. Is the Speaker telling me that this answer can still continue under the standing orders of this place? The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. Please continue, minister. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr D.T. REDMAN : I am looking forward to getting through what is a really important matter for regional Western Australia. We know what the member for Pilbara should be doing. He should be doorknocking in his electorate, because he is going to have a helluva fright when it comes to the next election if he is ignoring — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
The SPEAKER : I urge the minister to reach a rapid conclusion. I say to members to my left that, from my perspective, I have exercised some leniency today in allowing question time to go beyond its normal finishing point. If those members would like that leniency to continue in further sittings of this place, I suggest that they show some respect to members right across this place, no matter which electorate they represent or which party they might come from. Could the minister reach a conclusion. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I will make it fast. This unit will be overseen by a senior sergeant who will coordinate reports and, of course, the subsequent investigations. This model will certainly improve the capability of what was the old stock squad, which was abolished by those members opposite. This government has put it back in place, and that has been welcomed by the people in regional Western Australia, and particularly by those leading industry people who have said that it is very critical that they have not only the support of the expertise and skills of the people in the Department of Agriculture and Food, but also the powers of our police force to investigate and support the issues that they face with rural crime. As we well know, it does not stop at just livestock-type crime. The police investigate a range of matters in rural areas, from machinery thefts to a range of general crimes. This will continue, and over the next five years, with the support of the Minister for Police, WA Police will deploy additional detectives to the regions to bolster the investigation of rural crime. This is a wonderful step that is supported by this government. It is supporting rural communities, and in particular those people who did not have the support of those opposite when they were in their last term of government.
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