❓ A parliamentary question regarding the rollout of GPS tracking devices for dangerous sex offenders in WA. The Minister provides an update, highlighting the government's commitment and the technology's capabilities, even personally testing the device.
AnsweredQoN 232Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DANGEROUS
SEX OFFENDERS — GPS TRACKING DEVICES
232. MR N.W. MORTON to the Minister for Corrective Services:
Can the minister please update the house on the rollout of
GPS tracking for dangerous sex offenders in our community?
SEX OFFENDERS — GPS TRACKING DEVICES
232. MR N.W. MORTON to the Minister for Corrective Services:
Can the minister please update the house on the rollout of
GPS tracking for dangerous sex offenders in our community?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Forrestfield for his question.
An absolute key priority for the government is always the
protection and safety of people in the community within this state. Of course,
as technology evolves and develops, it is incumbent upon any government to
explore how that technology can be applied to help add another level of safety
and protection to the people of this state. The government has committed $6 million
over four years to implement and roll out this technology, and I am pleased to
announce that as of 20 May we have started to fit dangerous offenders with GPS
trackers. As of today, we actually now have 16 dangerous sex offenders being
tracked throughout Western Australia, mostly across the metropolitan area, and
it is a great system.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
Like any tool, of course, it will have its limitations and capabilities. Yes,
member for Cockburn, the best way to work out what the limitations and
capabilities are of any system are to try it for ourselves. So, for the last
three days and two nights I have been sleeping with, showering with and coming
to work with a GPS tracker strapped to my leg.
Several members interjected.
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : I have been testing the system so that I can put my hand on
my heart and know exactly what the capabilities and limitations are.
Mr F.M. Logan :
Table the minister!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS : I
cannot table my leg!
Mr P. Papalia :
Lucky it's not a serious matter!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
It is a very serious matter. In fact, as part of the trials —
Mr P. Papalia : It's
a stunt!
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : — I have had
geographic fencing put around certain areas of my electorate, and I have tested
to see just what the response time has been. I can tell the house that as soon
as someone crosses a boundary, within three seconds their leg starts vibrating.
Several members interjected.
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : That is a serious matter! Within 45 seconds, there is a phone
call from the tracking unit. They are on top of it.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
The point is that it is exceptionally accurate and the response times are
exceptionally fast. As I said, I needed to do this because I want to put my
hand on my heart and know exactly what the limitations and capabilities of this
technology are and how it could be used to protect the community. In closing,
it is worth noting that it is limited almost by one's imagination. What
can be done with this technology to protect the public is great. Curfews can be
enforced. We can enforce curfews, geofencing can be put on, and we can stop
people from entering certain areas and confine people to certain areas. It is
great technology, and it is great that the government is getting on with this
kind of stuff—implementing technology that can actually help keep the
community safe.
An absolute key priority for the government is always the
protection and safety of people in the community within this state. Of course,
as technology evolves and develops, it is incumbent upon any government to
explore how that technology can be applied to help add another level of safety
and protection to the people of this state. The government has committed $6 million
over four years to implement and roll out this technology, and I am pleased to
announce that as of 20 May we have started to fit dangerous offenders with GPS
trackers. As of today, we actually now have 16 dangerous sex offenders being
tracked throughout Western Australia, mostly across the metropolitan area, and
it is a great system.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
Like any tool, of course, it will have its limitations and capabilities. Yes,
member for Cockburn, the best way to work out what the limitations and
capabilities are of any system are to try it for ourselves. So, for the last
three days and two nights I have been sleeping with, showering with and coming
to work with a GPS tracker strapped to my leg.
Several members interjected.
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : I have been testing the system so that I can put my hand on
my heart and know exactly what the capabilities and limitations are.
Mr F.M. Logan :
Table the minister!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS : I
cannot table my leg!
Mr P. Papalia :
Lucky it's not a serious matter!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
It is a very serious matter. In fact, as part of the trials —
Mr P. Papalia : It's
a stunt!
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : — I have had
geographic fencing put around certain areas of my electorate, and I have tested
to see just what the response time has been. I can tell the house that as soon
as someone crosses a boundary, within three seconds their leg starts vibrating.
Several members interjected.
Mr
J.M. FRANCIS : That is a serious matter! Within 45 seconds, there is a phone
call from the tracking unit. They are on top of it.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Mr J.M. FRANCIS :
The point is that it is exceptionally accurate and the response times are
exceptionally fast. As I said, I needed to do this because I want to put my
hand on my heart and know exactly what the limitations and capabilities of this
technology are and how it could be used to protect the community. In closing,
it is worth noting that it is limited almost by one's imagination. What
can be done with this technology to protect the public is great. Curfews can be
enforced. We can enforce curfews, geofencing can be put on, and we can stop
people from entering certain areas and confine people to certain areas. It is
great technology, and it is great that the government is getting on with this
kind of stuff—implementing technology that can actually help keep the
community safe.
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