❓ Dr. Walker questions the arrest of a domestic violence victim for cannabis possession, asking how this encourages victims to seek help and what advice the Minister is giving to police regarding prioritisation. The Minister's response states that police prioritise safety and investigate all offences according to the law.
AnsweredQoN 740Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CANNABIS —
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — PROSECUTIONS
740. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I
refer the minister to the case of Lily Carroll, which was recently before the
Bunbury Magistrates Court. Ms Carroll called the police to report a violent
incident at her home, only to then be arrested herself for cannabis possession.
(1) In what
manner does this case and its outcome encourage victims of domestic violence in
particular, and violence more broadly, to feel safe contacting the police for
assistance, knowing that they themselves may end up being arrested?
(2) What advice,
if any, is the minister giving to the Western Australia Police Force about the
priorities of the Cook Labor government in these types of cases, which I would
hope is to prioritise personal safety, rather than demonising victims?
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — PROSECUTIONS
740. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I
refer the minister to the case of Lily Carroll, which was recently before the
Bunbury Magistrates Court. Ms Carroll called the police to report a violent
incident at her home, only to then be arrested herself for cannabis possession.
(1) In what
manner does this case and its outcome encourage victims of domestic violence in
particular, and violence more broadly, to feel safe contacting the police for
assistance, knowing that they themselves may end up being arrested?
(2) What advice,
if any, is the minister giving to the Western Australia Police Force about the
priorities of the Cook Labor government in these types of cases, which I would
hope is to prioritise personal safety, rather than demonising victims?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services
who is absent from the chamber on urgent parliamentary business.
(1)–(2)
The Western Australia Police Force prioritises the safety of victims and all
parties involved in family violence incidents to coordinate an appropriate
response between partner agencies from the family and domestic violence
response team. WA Police Force is committed to investigating all identified
offences, including drug possession, in accordance with the law.
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services
who is absent from the chamber on urgent parliamentary business.
(1)–(2)
The Western Australia Police Force prioritises the safety of victims and all
parties involved in family violence incidents to coordinate an appropriate
response between partner agencies from the family and domestic violence
response team. WA Police Force is committed to investigating all identified
offences, including drug possession, in accordance with the law.
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