❓ A parliamentary question regarding crime in Geraldton, focusing on community frustration, police resourcing, and the deployment of a dog squad. The Minister's response defends the government's actions and criticises the questioner's interpretation of events.
AnsweredQoN 345Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I acknowledge the year 12 students from Great Southern Grammar who have travelled to Parliament today. Given the government’s lack of action to counter the ongoing incidence of crime in Geraldton, and given last weekend’s incident in which six juveniles went on a two-day destructive rampage in Geraldton and three other mid west towns, I ask - (1) Why do community leaders, including the mayor, feel so frustrated that they decided to travel to Perth yesterday to meet with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Commissioner of Police about their concerns? (2) Why could the minister not provide any immediate fix to the problem and why was her only solution to promise four extra officers over the next four years when the district needs 12? (3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(1) Why do community leaders, including the mayor, feel so frustrated that they decided to travel to Perth yesterday to meet with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Commissioner of Police about their concerns? (2) Why could the minister not provide any immediate fix to the problem and why was her only solution to promise four extra officers over the next four years when the district needs 12? (3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(2) Why could the minister not provide any immediate fix to the problem and why was her only solution to promise four extra officers over the next four years when the district needs 12? (3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(1) Why do community leaders, including the mayor, feel so frustrated that they decided to travel to Perth yesterday to meet with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Commissioner of Police about their concerns? (2) Why could the minister not provide any immediate fix to the problem and why was her only solution to promise four extra officers over the next four years when the district needs 12? (3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(2) Why could the minister not provide any immediate fix to the problem and why was her only solution to promise four extra officers over the next four years when the district needs 12? (3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(3) Will the minister confirm that Geraldton may have to wait until May 2007 for the much-promised dog squad to be operational? (4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(4) Does the minister support the plan by frustrated business owners in the Webberton area to hire private security officers to protect themselves and their property? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
(1)-(4) One thing that is very clear is that the Leader of the National Party was not at the meeting, because on a couple of his assertions he has the wrong end of the stick. Yesterday’s meeting was very productive. The mayor and others present would be very disappointed with the spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on the meeting. A number of strategies were agreed at that meeting to deal with crime issues in Geraldton. One of the things that the Commissioner of Police pointed out is that, in key categories, crime is falling in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton made the point that crime has generally been declining in Geraldton. Deputy Commissioner Atherton also pointed out that the key issues that needed to be addressed immediately are largely antisocial issues in the town. A number of areas were identified, including the nightclub area in the town and Rangeway, which involve a number of other agencies. Contrary to what the Leader of the National Party said, Deputy Commissioner Atherton offered a more immediate solution of getting the regional operations group to Geraldton. That was not mentioned by the Leader of the National Party. A senior officers group meeting that includes the Commissioner of Police, deputy commissioners and senior officers, will be held in Geraldton in early August. It will focus on Geraldton and other staffing matters. A number of other suggestions were also made. The Leader of the National Party suggested that I promised four extra officers some time next year. However, I promised no such thing. The Commissioner of Police has committed an additional 350 officers over the next four years. During the estimates committee, it was put on record that about one-third of those would go to country areas. More than 100 of the 350 additional police officers will go to regional areas. The Commissioner of Police was not able to confirm the exact make-up. As members know, the deployment of police officers to specific locations is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. He must have the ability to put those officers in the areas in which they are needed. He must not position them on a political basis, but do it on the basis of what makes best sense for policing. The spin that the Leader of the National Party has put on it is entirely inappropriate. It was a very productive meeting. Some immediate strategies and other matters were put under consideration, which clearly the Leader of the National Party is not aware of. Why did those people meet with us yesterday? It was because the member for Geraldton arranged for them to meet with us yesterday. The member for Geraldton set up that meeting with my office, and we were more than happy to accommodate those persons. I had offered on other occasions to meet with people in Geraldton. It was the choice of those people who met with me yesterday to meet in Perth on that time frame. I thank the member for Geraldton for setting up that meeting. It was very productive. One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
One of the Leader of the National Party’s final questions related to the dog squad. The commissioner explained to those present at the meeting yesterday that there is a shortage of dogs for policing purposes. A breeding program has commenced. The commissioner assured those present that the first available dogs and trainers will go firstly to Geraldton and secondly to Kalgoorlie.
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