❓ Question regarding the closure of the North West Water Police Unit and the retirement of the Delphinus vessel, focusing on the timing of ministerial advice and consultation with local government. The answer details the history of the decision and lack of consultation.
AnsweredQoN 1082Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the statement made by the Commissioner of Police regarding the announced closure of the North West Water Police Unit in March 2018, and I ask: (a) on what date was the Minister advised that the Commissioner of Police was considering retiring the Delphinus; (b) on what date was the Minister advised of the final decision to retire the Delphinus; (c) could the Minister please explain what changes have occurred in the 'current security environment' that lead to this decision; (d) was the Local Government in this area consulted or informed about this decision prior to it being announced; (e) in relation to (a) and (b), when did these discussions occur; and (f) in relation to (a) and (b), if there were no discussions, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 May 2018
Responded by
Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Police
Response time
9 days
(a) – (f) The Western Australia Police Force has been considering the future of the Delphinus since 2009 when the former government agreed to close the North West Water Police and sell the Delphinus before the former government subsequently back flipped on that issue. Since 2009, the boat has spent more time in port and undergoing maintainenance than on patrol, continued to age and is not fit for purpose. On 15 March 2018 I received a briefing note advising that the WA Police Force had decided to close the North West Water Police and sell the Delphinus. The WA Police Force advise the threat environment in relation to Australia’s offshore oil and gas sector is assessed as low. The Western Australia Police Force did not consult local government prior to the decision. However, stakeholders were advised as soon as practicable following the decision.
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