❓ A WA parliamentary question raises concerns about resources for police prosecutors in the Kimberley to appeal lenient sentences in domestic violence cases, and questions the appointment of a magistrate. The Premier's response acknowledges resource challenges and defends the magistrate.
AnsweredQoN 390Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
KIMBERLEY POLICE PROSECUTORS - SENTENCE APPEALS
I refer to concerns raised in Parliament - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
I refer to concerns raised in Parliament - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not understand those sorts of interjections. Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Ms S.E. WALKER : Neither do I, Mr Speaker. I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
I refer to concerns raised in Parliament last week that police prosecutors in the Kimberley do not have the resources to mount appeals against lenient non-custodial sentences for horrific domestic violence assaults. I instance a non-custodial sentence given to a repeat offender after he had broken his partner’s jaw by repeated kicks to the head, continually punched her in the head causing a split lip and black eye, repeatedly struck her in the head with a brick and continually beat her with a curtain rod. (1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(1) What is the Premier doing to ensure proper resources are being directed to the police in the Kimberley region to mount appeals and how has he personally stepped in to protect those women from violent assaults and from the decisions of Magistrate Bloemen? (2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(2) Has Magistrate Bloemen been invalidly appointed to assist the Premier’s government in pursuing its reduced imprisonment policy in the Kimberley and at the expense of those suffering women? The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The SPEAKER : The question of whether the magistrate has been validly or invalidly appointed calls for a legal view. The Premier does not need to answer that part of the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
I acknowledge students from Sevenoaks College who are observing proceedings. (1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
(1)-(2) Without going into the specifics, but just in general terms, this government’s intention is obviously to make sure that the police force not only in the Kimberley, but also everywhere in Western Australia is adequately resourced. I believe that it is. There are always struggles in some parts of the state to ensure that the rate of response, the level of presence and so on are meeting people’s expectations. All governments in Western Australia must confront that difficult challenge. I believe that we are making good progress in that regard. I have followed the arguments about Magistrate Bloemen put forward by the member for Nedlands, and it slightly disturbs me that we seem to have a member of Parliament who is intent on attacking this magistrate. Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr R.F. Johnson : We thought you were serious about domestic violence. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Is the member suggesting that I am not? Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr R.F. Johnson : I am suggesting that your government is not because it has a magistrate that does not dish out appropriate penalties. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : This appears not to be an orchestrated campaign, and I appreciate that the member for Nedlands has concerns, but I would counsel her against trying to demolish confidence in the magistrate in the Kimberley, who, from what I understand, does a very good job and is supported in the community. The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
The government is committed to providing adequate resources. I do not believe that any previous state government in Western Australia has tackled the issue of domestic violence in all its manifestations in all parts of the community, including the Aboriginal community, with as much zeal and endeavour as this government.
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