❓ Question regarding the death in custody of Mr. Phillips, focusing on police briefings, handling of the matter, and procedures for Indigenous detainees and medical assessments. The Minister acknowledges the death and ongoing investigations, but avoids direct answers.
AnsweredQoN 64Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MR PHILLIPS — DEATH IN CUSTODY
I refer to the January death in custody of Mr Phillips in the police lockup in Kalgoorlie. (1) Did the minister receive a briefing by police on the matter? (2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to the January death in custody of Mr Phillips in the police lockup in Kalgoorlie. (1) Did the minister receive a briefing by police on the matter? (2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(1) Did the minister receive a briefing by police on the matter? (2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(1) Did the minister receive a briefing by police on the matter? (2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(2) Did the briefing raise any concerns about how police handled the matter? (3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(3) What special measures, if any, are put in place by police when a person detained in a lockup is a traditional Indigenous person who speaks little English? (4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(4) What procedures exist for assessing medical conditions of persons kept in lockups? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
First of all, obviously, I extend my condolences to the family of the Indigenous person who died in the lockup. (1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
(1)–(4) I received a briefing, which I would obviously normally receive. As the member is probably aware, an internal investigation into that specific aspect is underway, and I think there is going to be a coronial inquiry. I am not certain about that, but I can find that out for the member. Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : There would have to be, minister. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I can find that out for the member, obviously. It is probably not appropriate for me to venture any personal views on that matter. Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : No. What concerns were raised by the briefing? That is what I am asking. The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
The SPEAKER : Member! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Custodial Services with a view to the Inspector of Custodial Services having oversight of not only our prisons, but also — Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Ms M.M. Quirk : So you support that? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I certainly support the prospect of that happening. Obviously, I have had a meeting with both the commissioner and the Inspector of Custodial Services. At that meeting, we initially discussed perhaps establishing a memorandum of understanding to enable the inspector to oversee them before bringing in legislation to accomplish that on a permanent basis. My suggestion at that meeting was that perhaps we could look at a trial for a period on the basis of an MOU. Obviously, the Inspector of Custodial Services comes under the Attorney General’s responsibility, and the Attorney General would have to be involved. That is the situation at the moment. Indeed, the areas that the member has shown concern about are being dealt with by the police. They are looking at updating their policies and guidelines for dealing with Indigenous people in lockups who may or may not have a medical problem.
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