❓ Question regarding the feasibility of maintaining Police and Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYCs) and implementing new policies amidst budget cuts. The Minister's response is evasive, focusing on attacking the questioner and deflecting responsibility.
AnsweredQoN 87Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE BUDGET — POLICE AND CITIZENS YOUTH CLUBS
I refer to comments made by police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan on Radio 6PR on 6 November that police and citizens youth clubs may be a non-core police function adversely affected by budget cuts. I also refer to the Premier’s remarks that violent school fight clubs could be averted if young people were encouraged to join police and citizens youth clubs. How can the police service maintain police and citizens youth clubs throughout the state, introduce the Liberal Party policy to reinstate police officers in schools and cut its budget by three per cent or more? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I refer to comments made by police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan on Radio 6PR on 6 November that police and citizens youth clubs may be a non-core police function adversely affected by budget cuts. I also refer to the Premier’s remarks that violent school fight clubs could be averted if young people were encouraged to join police and citizens youth clubs. How can the police service maintain police and citizens youth clubs throughout the state, introduce the Liberal Party policy to reinstate police officers in schools and cut its budget by three per cent or more? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
We are pretty good; that is how. Can I answer that question? Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: We are pretty good; that is how. Can I answer that question? Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
We are pretty good; that is how. Can I answer that question? Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: We are pretty good; that is how. Can I answer that question? Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
We are pretty good; that is how. Can I answer that question? Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Several members interjected. Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr M. McGowan : Is that your standard in answering questions? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hang on a minute; give us a chance! I have just started. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will if the member will give me a chance! This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
This question from the member for Girrawheen is very interesting because she has made some comments publicly that I find very strange—for instance, about Tasers. She went on Simon Beaumont’s program on which she ended up, in my view, quite embarrassed because of the comments she made. As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
As far as the question goes, I believe police and citizens youth clubs are very, very worthwhile organisations. They do a tremendous job. Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So, you will protect them against the Treasurer, will you? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will do whatever I can to ensure that police and citizens youth clubs stay in place. I know that the commissioner has a lot of confidence in PCYCs; he is a board member of the federation for PCYCs. Therefore, we will do whatever we can. The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
The commissioner is going through with Treasury the three per cent efficiency dividends that are being looked at at the moment — Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I thought it was a whole-of-government decision to apply it. Is it only being looked at? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is it not interesting that the Leader of the Opposition was the person who first came out with the three per cent cut, as he called it, during the election campaign. He said quite clearly that the cut would not affect front-line services such as the police, and that he felt that there was a fair bit of fat in other government agencies that could make up where, perhaps, the police could not make a three per cent cut. Does the Leader of the Opposition remember saying those words? That is what he said. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re an inaccurate reporter! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : That is what the Leader of the Opposition said. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that that is what he — Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : When did the member ever answer a question? What a stupid comment! Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr M. McGowan : The Premier said you’d answer the question. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am answering, but I have — Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You said you’d answer the question! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Just because I am not answering the question in the way members opposite would like is the problem. However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
However, the simple point is this: that is what he said during the election campaign. We support PCYCs; it is up to the commissioner to find cuts wherever he can, to try to abide by the request from Treasury for that three per cent dividend cut. He is negotiating with the Treasury department at the moment to see where that can happen. However, let me make this quite clear: we have said as a government that we will not affect our front-line delivery service in police and other areas and, as far as I am concerned, it is in police—I will not stand by and see a three per cent cut in our front-line service with police.
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