Opposition questions the Premier's commitment to protecting elderly crime victims, citing inaction in the finance broking industry and calling for the Minister for Fair Trading's dismissal. The Premier defends the government's actions, highlighting investigations, an inquiry, and financial support for recovery efforts.

AnsweredQoN 14Legislative Assembly
Asked
8 August 2000
Member
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Premier's promise of tougher penalties for crimes against the elderly. (1) Where was the Premier's concern for elderly victims of crime when he and his Government were callously ignoring criminal activities in the finance broking industry? (2) If he is serious and wants to send a clear message to the community that crimes against the elderly will not be tolerated, why does he not sack the Minister for Fair Trading, whose incompetence and inactivity has aided and abetted crimes against thousands of self-funded retirees? Mr COURT

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(2) This Government has overseen a huge action plan in relation to those people who have been doing wrong in the finance broking industry. A large Police Service task force has been carrying out investigations and has been charging people. An independent inquiry will report on this matter early in September. When that inquiry brings down its findings, the Government will make a decision about the action it will take as a result of those findings. There has been unprecedented activity to bring those people to account. We have spent significant moneys to ensure that investigations, liquidators and the like have been funded in every attempt to maximise the recovery of those funds. Members of the Opposition do not accept that those actions have been taken. They have been taken, and we will continue to take them. House adjourned at 12.57 pm __________
(1) Where was the Premier's concern for elderly victims of crime when he and his Government were callously ignoring criminal activities in the finance broking industry? (2) If he is serious and wants to send a clear message to the community that crimes against the elderly will not be tolerated, why does he not sack the Minister for Fair Trading, whose incompetence and inactivity has aided and abetted crimes against thousands of self-funded retirees? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(2) This Government has overseen a huge action plan in relation to those people who have been doing wrong in the finance broking industry. A large Police Service task force has been carrying out investigations and has been charging people. An independent inquiry will report on this matter early in September. When that inquiry brings down its findings, the Government will make a decision about the action it will take as a result of those findings. There has been unprecedented activity to bring those people to account. We have spent significant moneys to ensure that investigations, liquidators and the like have been funded in every attempt to maximise the recovery of those funds. Members of the Opposition do not accept that those actions have been taken. They have been taken, and we will continue to take them. House adjourned at 12.57 pm __________
(2) If he is serious and wants to send a clear message to the community that crimes against the elderly will not be tolerated, why does he not sack the Minister for Fair Trading, whose incompetence and inactivity has aided and abetted crimes against thousands of self-funded retirees? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(2) This Government has overseen a huge action plan in relation to those people who have been doing wrong in the finance broking industry. A large Police Service task force has been carrying out investigations and has been charging people. An independent inquiry will report on this matter early in September. When that inquiry brings down its findings, the Government will make a decision about the action it will take as a result of those findings. There has been unprecedented activity to bring those people to account. We have spent significant moneys to ensure that investigations, liquidators and the like have been funded in every attempt to maximise the recovery of those funds. Members of the Opposition do not accept that those actions have been taken. They have been taken, and we will continue to take them. House adjourned at 12.57 pm __________
Mr COURT replied: (1)-(2) This Government has overseen a huge action plan in relation to those people who have been doing wrong in the finance broking industry. A large Police Service task force has been carrying out investigations and has been charging people. An independent inquiry will report on this matter early in September. When that inquiry brings down its findings, the Government will make a decision about the action it will take as a result of those findings. There has been unprecedented activity to bring those people to account. We have spent significant moneys to ensure that investigations, liquidators and the like have been funded in every attempt to maximise the recovery of those funds. Members of the Opposition do not accept that those actions have been taken. They have been taken, and we will continue to take them. House adjourned at 12.57 pm __________
(1)-(2) This Government has overseen a huge action plan in relation to those people who have been doing wrong in the finance broking industry. A large Police Service task force has been carrying out investigations and has been charging people. An independent inquiry will report on this matter early in September. When that inquiry brings down its findings, the Government will make a decision about the action it will take as a result of those findings. There has been unprecedented activity to bring those people to account. We have spent significant moneys to ensure that investigations, liquidators and the like have been funded in every attempt to maximise the recovery of those funds. Members of the Opposition do not accept that those actions have been taken. They have been taken, and we will continue to take them. House adjourned at 12.57 pm __________
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