❓ Opposition questions the Premier's comments regarding the Cameron Mansell case and whether they unfairly criticized the WA Police. The Premier denies criticizing the police, stating he only expressed disappointment.
AnsweredQoN 203Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CAMERON MANSELL — PREMIER’S COMMENTS
I refer to comments made by the Deputy Commissioner of Police that fugitive Cameron Mansell could not be stopped from travelling interstate because at the time he left the state there was no warrant for his arrest, and the police could not hold someone and keep him in the state just because they thought he had done something. (1) When did the Premier speak with the Minister for Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to comments made by the Deputy Commissioner of Police that fugitive Cameron Mansell could not be stopped from travelling interstate because at the time he left the state there was no warrant for his arrest, and the police could not hold someone and keep him in the state just because they thought he had done something. (1) When did the Premier speak with the Minister for Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(1) When did the Premier speak with the Minister for Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(1) When did the Premier speak with the Minister for Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(2) When did the Premier speak with the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police over the weekend in respect of the Premier’s comments? (3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(3) Does the Premier concede that his comments were wrong and unfairly accused WA Police of not completing their job adequately? (4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(4) Will the Premier immediately apologise to WA Police for judging their work efforts before he had a full understanding of the legal obligations under which they work? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question. (1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
(1)–(4) May I just make the point that at no stage did I accuse Western Australia Police of anything. When asked a question on Saturday morning by a group of journalists about the disappearance of one Cameron Mansell—who is the prime suspect in the murder of Mr Puddy—and what I thought about it, I expressed exactly what I thought, and what I think today: I am disappointed. Is anyone in this chamber not disappointed that a person for whom the police have strong grounds for suspicion — Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : We all heard you. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will sit down if the member does not want to hear the answer. When I was asked the question, what was my reaction? Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr R.H. Cook : To attack the police force. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I did not; at no stage did I question the police or criticise them; I said that I was disappointed. I am disappointed that a person was taken, questioned, was under surveillance and somehow slipped out of that surveillance, got on an aircraft, and flew across the country to Adelaide. Of course I am disappointed, and I would think that every Western Australian would be disappointed that this person has escaped the jurisdiction of WA Police. I understand that there are difficulties in terms of how long a suspect can be held; there are also issues relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the issuing of prosecutions and the like. I understand all those technical problems; does that mean I am now relaxed about it? No, I am not. I am disappointed. This guy should be in custody and he should be charged and the process of law should take its course. I am absolutely disappointed, but that is not the same as criticising the police. As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
As to the other part of the question, I have not spoken to the police commissioner, nor have I spoken to the deputy commissioner. I had a conversation with and a briefing from the police minister yesterday. That is all.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.