❓ Question regarding measures to achieve a 3% saving in the police service budget without cutting front-line services. Minister acknowledges difficulty, cites ongoing negotiations with Treasury and Commissioner, promising a definite answer soon.
AnsweredQoN 7Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE — EFFICIENCY DIVIDEND 7. Ms M.M. QUIRK to the Minister for Police: I congratulate the Minister for Police upon taking up his new duties. Given the nature of the portfolio, before I ask my question, I should say that anything he says may be taken down and used as evidence! Will the minister outline the measures he will undertake to achieve the three per cent saving required from the police service? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
POLICE — EFFICIENCY DIVIDEND
I congratulate the Minister for Police upon taking up his new duties. Given the nature of the portfolio, before I ask my question, I should say that anything he says may be taken down and used as evidence! Will the minister outline the measures he will undertake to achieve the three per cent saving required from the police service? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Will the minister outline the measures he will undertake to achieve the three per cent saving required from the police service? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
POLICE — EFFICIENCY DIVIDEND
I congratulate the Minister for Police upon taking up his new duties. Given the nature of the portfolio, before I ask my question, I should say that anything he says may be taken down and used as evidence! Will the minister outline the measures he will undertake to achieve the three per cent saving required from the police service? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Will the minister outline the measures he will undertake to achieve the three per cent saving required from the police service? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
I thank the member for the question and for her good wishes. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Police about the request to find a three per cent saving in the budget. I reiterate—I keep saying it because some people do not listen—that there will be no cut to the front-line services. That is a commitment by this government to not cut front-line services. Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What will you do? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : My colleague the Leader of the Opposition has asked a very good question. What would he do if he were the Minister for Police? Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re the minister! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I thank the member for reminding me. I am happy to be the Minister for Police. I assure the member that I will make decisions. I accept that everything I say will be used against me. It is still early days. Treasury has asked the Commissioner of Police to identify a three per cent savings in the total police budget. In saying that, there is no way that we can cut front-line services. I have made that quite clear, but I will say it again and again. It will be very difficult to make a three per cent cut in the total police budget. Today the Commissioner of Police met with the Under Treasurer. They are working their way through what is a very difficult situation. Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Didn’t you promise this morning to answer the question? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am telling the house the truth. When the commissioner approaches me — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : If the Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer, he should listen to what I have to say. When the commissioner approaches me to tell me what went on at today’s meeting and what was achieved—I assume he will do so tomorrow—I will be able to give the house a definite answer. At this stage all I can say is that negotiations are taking place between the police and Treasury. I am hopeful that the outcome will be acceptable to not only the police and the government, but also the people of Western Australia.
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