❓ The Minister expresses sympathy for Constable Butcher and his family following a trial outcome. He awaits a recommendation from the Police Commissioner regarding an ex gratia payment, which he intends to support in Cabinet.
AnsweredQoN 213Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
EX GRATIA PAYMENT — CONSTABLE BUTCHER
(1) Does the Minister for Police support the application for an ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? (2) Has the minister given a time frame for the Commissioner of Police to make a recommendation for a cabinet decision? (3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
(1) Does the Minister for Police support the application for an ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? (2) Has the minister given a time frame for the Commissioner of Police to make a recommendation for a cabinet decision? (3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(2) Has the minister given a time frame for the Commissioner of Police to make a recommendation for a cabinet decision? (3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(2) Has the minister given a time frame for the Commissioner of Police to make a recommendation for a cabinet decision? (3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(3) Does the minister believe that $500 000 is a suitable ex gratia payment for Constable Butcher? If not, what amount does the minister consider appropriate to compensate this young man who has suffered what looks like a lifetime injury. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I will say at the outset that my heart goes out to Matthew Butcher, his wife and his family, all of whom have been devastated by the disastrous and disgusting result of last week’s trial. (1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
(1)-(3) I have not been approached by the Commissioner of Police. I have heard of reports in the newspaper that the commissioner is considering coming to me, which is appropriate, to get my approval initially of an application for an ex gratia payment. I have said publicly that if the police commissioner comes to me seeking my approval for an ex gratia payment, he will be met with a favourable response. The next step will be to take the request to cabinet for a final decision. I cannot speak for my cabinet colleagues but I know that all my ministerial colleagues would probably be of the same view; that is, where we can, we will look very favourably at ensuring some — Mr E.S. Ripper : At what level? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am coming to the bit about approval for some form of ex gratia payment. The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
The Leader of the Opposition has asked a very significant question. He has in fact asked me for an opinion, which is not normally the way questions are asked or answered. I cannot give the Leader of the Opposition a figure. I do not know what the figure would be. I do not think that any figure could make up for the devastating loss of normal life suffered by Constable Butcher or his family. One could say that it could be $10 million. However, that probably would not be enough to compensate Matthew Butcher for the way in which he will see out the rest of his life. I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
I have met Matthew Butcher on several occasions; he is a fine young man. His main aim for the future is to remain in the police service. He knows that he will not be able to carry out front-line duties, because he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for much of his time. He has expressed to me his wish to continue his police career in an area of interest to him—that is, the cyber-predators area. Officers deployed to that area spend most of their time looking for the perverts and paedophiles who try to corrupt children, and he has a strong view on their activities. At the end of the day it is the commissioner’s right and authority to deploy his officers wherever he wishes. The commissioner would be mindful of Matthew Butcher’s wish and would almost certainly try to ensure that he carries on his police career in a constructive way; in a way that is useful and of benefit to society. As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
As I said, $10 million would not replace the quality of life that Matthew Butcher has lost from the tragic and disgraceful attack on him by a thug who attacked him from behind. It was not just a cowardly attack; it was a cowardly and violent attack. Ninety per cent of Western Australians would agree with me. Nothing will make up for the loss of normal life suffered by Matthew Butcher. I do not know what the damages figure would be and I would not suggest a figure. It would be totally inappropriate for me to do that. I will wait to see what the commissioner puts to me. I will then take that to cabinet and cabinet will make the final decision.
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