❓ Mr Cowper asks about the re-establishment of the rural crime unit. Mr Johnson responds, detailing the deployment of inspectors and criticising the previous government's handling of rural crime, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting farmers.
AnsweredQoN 507Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE — RURAL CRIME UNIT
Over the years, primary producers in my electorate have been impacted on by the theft of stock and machinery. One of the Liberal-National Party election commitments was to re-establish the rural crime unit to help farmers combat the theft of livestock. Can the minister update the house about this initiative? Ms M.M. Quirk : The cattle rustlers can relax because they are not real coppers. The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
Over the years, primary producers in my electorate have been impacted on by the theft of stock and machinery. One of the Liberal-National Party election commitments was to re-establish the rural crime unit to help farmers combat the theft of livestock. Can the minister update the house about this initiative? Ms M.M. Quirk : The cattle rustlers can relax because they are not real coppers. The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Ms M.M. Quirk : The cattle rustlers can relax because they are not real coppers. The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Ms M.M. Quirk : The cattle rustlers can relax because they are not real coppers. The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
The SPEAKER : Order! The question was not asked of the member for Girrawheen and I formally call her for the first time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
I thank the member for the question. I know that he has a great interest in this matter. I inform him that one of the inspectors who are now working for the new rural unit will be based in Waroona in his electorate, which is good news. There are a total of seven inspectors. Two are based in Perth and the others are based in Cranbrook, Williams, Morawa, Broome and, as I have said, Waroona. They will be working very closely with the regional detectives in those areas to provide livestock identification and traceability expertise to help with livestock crime investigations. Members opposite abolished the rural crime squad. That left our farmers vulnerable to the thieves in our society. Those opposite should be ashamed of themselves. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the members for Mandurah and Girrawheen for the second time. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am very pleased to say that the Liberal-National Government took on board the concerns of our farmers in our regional and rural areas. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and my very good friend the Minister for Agriculture and Food to work out — Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Dr G.G. Jacobs : They are not interested. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They are not interested because to fight crime is a good story. Following that meeting, it was resolved that it would be best to enhance the capabilities of the rural crime unit. We did that by deploying seven inspectors who have specialised knowledge in livestock. They know how to trace livestock through the sale yards, abattoirs and through the export stages. The rural crime unit is backed up by detectives. I will explain what their specific role is. It is to increase the surveillance in the saleyards, export depots and abattoirs. The unit will increase compliance with stock identification and movement and identify suspected livestock offences and collect evidence before referring these matters to the WA Police detectives. Also, importantly, they will maintain a database of suspected livestock breaches, investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. By having this database, they will be able to trace any repeat offender who is stealing livestock from — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The opposition is making light of this. They are the ones who abandoned our farmers and our rural specialists who rely on their income not only from livestock but also from supplying food to Western Australia and other parts of the world. They abandoned that unit, as they abandoned many areas of crime. They are soft on drugs and soft on crime. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I could go on forever. Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr M.P. Murray : You have sent out public servants! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Members opposite did not want anybody in place! They abandoned all our farmers! I am talking about farmers in the member’s area. We are looking after farmers in the member’s area. Someone has to do that. The member is not prepared to do that. No members opposite are prepared to do that. They abandoned those farmers. Well, we are back in government, and we are looking after those very important people in our community—our farmers. I am delighted that the new rural crime unit is up and running, and it is being very effective as we speak.
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