❓ Question regarding government action on violence and antisocial behaviour in Northbridge. The Minister's response is highly partisan, blaming the previous Labor government for the issues and highlighting current government efforts.
AnsweredQoN 297Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NORTHBRIDGE — VIOLENCE AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
There is a great deal of community concern about violence and antisocial behaviour in Northbridge. My electorate of Mount Lawley borders this area, and is also a major entertainment precinct. Can the minister tell the house what the government is doing to help to control these problems? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
There is a great deal of community concern about violence and antisocial behaviour in Northbridge. My electorate of Mount Lawley borders this area, and is also a major entertainment precinct. Can the minister tell the house what the government is doing to help to control these problems? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. I was actually waiting for a question similar to that from the member for Girrawheen. Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I was actually waiting for a question similar to that from the member for Girrawheen. Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
I thank the member for the question. I was actually waiting for a question similar to that from the member for Girrawheen. Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. I was actually waiting for a question similar to that from the member for Girrawheen. Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
I thank the member for the question. I was actually waiting for a question similar to that from the member for Girrawheen. Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I already know what you’re doing. You’re doing bugger-all! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Is that not interesting? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We know you’re doing nothing. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We can tell the member for Armadale is back. I thought she had laryngitis last week; I wish she had it this week. The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The member for Girrawheen indicated that she was going to ask me a question, and I still hope she does. Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Be patient. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will be patient, because a very important subject has been brought up, and it is a subject that has been exasperated—at least the concept of it—by the member for Girrawheen. Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr M. McGowan : Exasperated? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We see that this subject is a matter for today’s matter of public interest debate. What we have seen happen in recent weeks in Northbridge has been the focus of a great deal of media interest, exasperated, as I said, by the opposition, particularly the member for Girrawheen. She wants to blame the government for everything. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Order! Minister, please proceed. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We should issue the member for Girrawheen with her own Taser, so that when she shoots herself in the foot, it will not be quite so messy. I seem to remember that the member for Girrawheen does not agree with our police officers having Tasers. Let us get to the facts of this; never mind the stories that the member for Girrawheen and the opposition put out, let us get to the facts. In the 12 months to March 2001—that was basically — Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Will the member speak English, please? I do not understand. In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
In the 12 months to March 2001 — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : A little bit of racism from the barrow boy! The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — just before the member for Girrawheen and her colleagues came to power, under the previous Liberal-National government — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Member for Armadale! Member for Rockingham! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : — there were 360 reported assaults in Northbridge. In the 12 months to March 2008, after the member for Girrawheen and her touchy-feely mates had been in power for seven years or more, police recorded 725 assaults in Northbridge. That was more than double the number reported eight years prior to that. The figure doubled during the time of the Labor government. In the 11 months to February this year—after six months of our government—the figure is on the way down again, with police reporting 537 assaults. Of course, that is still too many, and the government will not stand still for that. What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
What has caused the problem? I think we will find it is people like the member for Girrawheen and her basket-weaving cronies who have been soft on crime in the past seven and a half years: soft on crime and soft on drugs. These problems were exacerbated because of the Labor party’s soft-on-crime approach over seven and a half years in office. That is why we saw an increase in assaults. The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The Liberal-National government is now dealing with the problem and we are resourcing the police better than they have ever been resourced. It is a bit harsh and hypocritical when the member for Girrawheen, in particular, starts attacking and blaming this government for everything that goes wrong. She must dream these things during the night, and when she wakes up in the morning she thinks it is reality. We know it is not reality, and we will continue to show the people of Western Australia that this government is more committed than the previous Labor government on law and order issues. This government will do everything it can to reduce crime and assaults, particularly in Northbridge. Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : The Minister for Police appeared to be quoting from an official document; he was certainly quoting official statistics. I ask that he table those documents in accordance with the standing orders. The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
The SPEAKER : Minister, if it is an official document, I will ask you to table it. However, if it is not an official document — Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I will be talking about what is in these papers later on. It is not an official document. Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr M. McGowan : Yes, it is. You are quoting official statistics. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : No, it is not. I know whether it is or is not; the member for Rockingham does not as he is sitting on the other side of the chamber. These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
These are not official documents from an agency; they are notes for me.
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