❓ Opposition questions the relevance of the Minister's 2009 comments on totalitarianism and fascism in relation to current knife crime legislation, referencing Nazi Germany. The government defends its knife crime measures.
AnsweredQoN 654Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
KNIFE CRIME — STOP-AND-SEARCH LAWS —
MINISTER'S COMMENTS
654. Hon BEN DAWKINS to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to comments made by the
minister on 11 November 2009, as recorded in Hansard , with regard to
police search powers in relation to knives.
(1) Can the
minister confirm he said the following —
It is my opinion that not only is it
helpful to raise totalitarianism and fascism in relation to this law, but also
it is essential that we appreciate the nature of the laws that those regimes
imposed on the people �
(2) Can the
minister confirm that he recently stated to the media that the world has
changed since 2009 and that his statement from 2009 is not relevant in 2024?
(3) Can the
minister explain why the lessons of Nazi Germany are no longer relevant to the
WA Labor government in 2024?
(4) What has changed
in the world since 2009 that makes it unhelpful to consider the dangers of
fascism and totalitarianism when considering new laws?
MINISTER'S COMMENTS
654. Hon BEN DAWKINS to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to comments made by the
minister on 11 November 2009, as recorded in Hansard , with regard to
police search powers in relation to knives.
(1) Can the
minister confirm he said the following —
It is my opinion that not only is it
helpful to raise totalitarianism and fascism in relation to this law, but also
it is essential that we appreciate the nature of the laws that those regimes
imposed on the people �
(2) Can the
minister confirm that he recently stated to the media that the world has
changed since 2009 and that his statement from 2009 is not relevant in 2024?
(3) Can the
minister explain why the lessons of Nazi Germany are no longer relevant to the
WA Labor government in 2024?
(4) What has changed
in the world since 2009 that makes it unhelpful to consider the dangers of
fascism and totalitarianism when considering new laws?
AnswerView source ↗
I
answer on behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Police. I think
a straight bat is what is required here.
(1)–(4) The
Cook Labor government is tackling the threat of knife crime to better protect Western
Australians. Knife-wanding areas and the
associated powers will ensure that Western Australia Police Force officers are far better equipped to detect, deter and reduce the illegal use of knives in Western
Australia.
The
government extends its thanks to the parents of Jack Beasley, Brett and
Belinda, who have passionately advocated for, and assisted in, the
development of legislation in memory of their son. Western Australia will be a safer
place because of their determination to improve safety in Jack's name.
answer on behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Police. I think
a straight bat is what is required here.
(1)–(4) The
Cook Labor government is tackling the threat of knife crime to better protect Western
Australians. Knife-wanding areas and the
associated powers will ensure that Western Australia Police Force officers are far better equipped to detect, deter and reduce the illegal use of knives in Western
Australia.
The
government extends its thanks to the parents of Jack Beasley, Brett and
Belinda, who have passionately advocated for, and assisted in, the
development of legislation in memory of their son. Western Australia will be a safer
place because of their determination to improve safety in Jack's name.
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