❓ Mrs Roberts questions the Acting Minister for Police about vacancies in the Tactical Response Group (TRG) and the state's tenure policy, citing terrorism concerns. The Minister deflects, criticizes the opposition as alarmist, and expresses confidence in the police force's preparedness.
AnsweredQoN 760Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TACTICAL
RESPONSE GROUP — VACANCIES
760. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS to the
Acting Minister for Police:
I refer to the increased threat of
terrorism and the need for the state's response units to be at their
most ready.
(1) How many
positions are currently vacant in the tactical response group and how long have
they been vacant?
(2) Why does
Western Australia continue to have a five-year maximum-tenure policy for the
TRG when no other state in Australia or, for that matter, New Zealand currently
has a tenure policy for its TRG?
RESPONSE GROUP — VACANCIES
760. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS to the
Acting Minister for Police:
I refer to the increased threat of
terrorism and the need for the state's response units to be at their
most ready.
(1) How many
positions are currently vacant in the tactical response group and how long have
they been vacant?
(2) Why does
Western Australia continue to have a five-year maximum-tenure policy for the
TRG when no other state in Australia or, for that matter, New Zealand currently
has a tenure policy for its TRG?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2)
I am happy to answer the question to the extent of the knowledge I have, but no
notice was given of the question and the member asked for some quite specific
information about the TRG and the police. I understand that the opposition has
said today that there are seven vacancies in the TRG and that that therefore
leads to a higher risk in Western Australia as a result of the increased
terrorism alert. It just so happens that I was with the Commissioner of Police
only about 30 minutes ago and he was asked about that issue by the media, and
his response was that it shows a complete lack of understanding of policing in
Western Australia. That is the view of the Commissioner of Police.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members!
Mr J.H.D. DAY : He also
made the point that the positions will be filled. It is normal in any unit —
Mr M. McGowan : So
it's true. You've just confirmed it's true.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : I
was about to make the point that there are always —
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member
for Midland!
Mr J.H.D. DAY :
There are always some vacancies because of staff changeover within particular
units within the police service, as there are within any units within
government.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Midland, you can ask a supplementary question if you wish. I call
you to order for the first time.
Mr J.H.D. DAY :
Unfortunately, I think the opposition is being very alarmist and is having the
effect of trying to create hysteria in the community about the terrorism issues
that are currently present in Australia. In the incident that tragically
occurred in Victoria two days ago, the TRG, or the equivalent unit, in Victoria
clearly was not in a position to deal with it. The incident occurred in a local
suburban police station, and the strength of the TRG, or its equivalent, in
that state, would have absolutely no effect whatsoever, as would be the case in
this state.
I have complete confidence in the administration of the
police in Western Australia. Based on what I have been advised, they are well
set up to deal with particular issues. They are certainly well prepared for
terrorism issues in the community. They are part of the national network of
intelligence gathering and sharing. They also have a range of procedures in
place for these particular issues. A state of readiness has been raised in
accordance with the national terrorism public alert level. WA Police will
continue to attend strategic and operational multi-jurisdictional forums to
keep apprised of current matters, and WA Police incident management teams have
been formed to respond to any threat. I can provide more information, but I
think that essentially covers it. As I have said, the view of the Commissioner
of Police is that the comments made by the opposition show a complete lack of
understanding of the issue. I do not think the public should be alarmed at all
by this issue.
I am happy to answer the question to the extent of the knowledge I have, but no
notice was given of the question and the member asked for some quite specific
information about the TRG and the police. I understand that the opposition has
said today that there are seven vacancies in the TRG and that that therefore
leads to a higher risk in Western Australia as a result of the increased
terrorism alert. It just so happens that I was with the Commissioner of Police
only about 30 minutes ago and he was asked about that issue by the media, and
his response was that it shows a complete lack of understanding of policing in
Western Australia. That is the view of the Commissioner of Police.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members!
Mr J.H.D. DAY : He also
made the point that the positions will be filled. It is normal in any unit —
Mr M. McGowan : So
it's true. You've just confirmed it's true.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : I
was about to make the point that there are always —
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member
for Midland!
Mr J.H.D. DAY :
There are always some vacancies because of staff changeover within particular
units within the police service, as there are within any units within
government.
Mrs M.H. Roberts interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Midland, you can ask a supplementary question if you wish. I call
you to order for the first time.
Mr J.H.D. DAY :
Unfortunately, I think the opposition is being very alarmist and is having the
effect of trying to create hysteria in the community about the terrorism issues
that are currently present in Australia. In the incident that tragically
occurred in Victoria two days ago, the TRG, or the equivalent unit, in Victoria
clearly was not in a position to deal with it. The incident occurred in a local
suburban police station, and the strength of the TRG, or its equivalent, in
that state, would have absolutely no effect whatsoever, as would be the case in
this state.
I have complete confidence in the administration of the
police in Western Australia. Based on what I have been advised, they are well
set up to deal with particular issues. They are certainly well prepared for
terrorism issues in the community. They are part of the national network of
intelligence gathering and sharing. They also have a range of procedures in
place for these particular issues. A state of readiness has been raised in
accordance with the national terrorism public alert level. WA Police will
continue to attend strategic and operational multi-jurisdictional forums to
keep apprised of current matters, and WA Police incident management teams have
been formed to respond to any threat. I can provide more information, but I
think that essentially covers it. As I have said, the view of the Commissioner
of Police is that the comments made by the opposition show a complete lack of
understanding of the issue. I do not think the public should be alarmed at all
by this issue.
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