❓ Question regarding the Premier's statement on stop-and-search powers for quasi-cops during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2011, and whether it aligns with the views of the WA Police and Minister for Police. The Premier denies a change in policy and accuses the questioner of jeopardising security arrangements.
AnsweredQoN 350Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING 2011 — STOP-AND-SEARCH POWERS
I refer to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Special Powers) Bill 2011 and the Premier’s statement on the radio this morning that the stop-and-search powers for quasi-cops are “not going to happen”. (1) Given that both the Western Australia Police and the Minister for Police say it is a necessary requirement, did the Premier speak to either the Commissioner of Police or the Minister for Police before making this statement? (2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Special Powers) Bill 2011 and the Premier’s statement on the radio this morning that the stop-and-search powers for quasi-cops are “not going to happen”. (1) Given that both the Western Australia Police and the Minister for Police say it is a necessary requirement, did the Premier speak to either the Commissioner of Police or the Minister for Police before making this statement? (2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(1) Given that both the Western Australia Police and the Minister for Police say it is a necessary requirement, did the Premier speak to either the Commissioner of Police or the Minister for Police before making this statement? (2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(1) Given that both the Western Australia Police and the Minister for Police say it is a necessary requirement, did the Premier speak to either the Commissioner of Police or the Minister for Police before making this statement? (2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(2) If these officers are not available to perform these functions, have any calculations been made for the shortfall in staffing resources; and how will this shortfall be remedied? (3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
(3) Will the Premier now introduce further amendments to the government’s CHOGM bill to reflect this change in government policy? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
It is not a change in government policy. The member for Girrawheen has gone on and on for weeks. Before I answer the question, I make the point that this is the most significant international meeting in Australia’s history. The host is the Australian government—a Labor government. We are assisting the Australian government, particularly in the area of security and safety for the visiting delegates, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and the Western Australian public. That is what we are doing; we are working closely with the Australian government. Only one group in this nation is trying to frustrate it and I am looking right at it. Only one group is against CHOGM. There will be thousands of Western Australia Police and about 700 or 800 police officers will come over from other states and New Zealand. Special powers are put in place, but only sworn police officers will do any search operations. Yes, those police officers may be assisted by people who are not sworn officers, but the others will not be doing searches. This will not happen. Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Why did you put it in the bill? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Will the member for Girrawheen be serious? The member for Girrawheen has single-handedly jeopardised some of the security arrangements, because she slowed down the progress of the bill so much. In the worst case — Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down—no point.
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