Mr STONE - 1996-02-29
Mr STONE (Chief Minister): Mr Speaker, earlier in the week, the member for Nelson asked a question about the Stock Squad. I am pleased to inform her that the Stock Squad has existed in the Territory since the late 1970s, under the control of the Criminal Investigation Branch, except for a short period in late 1994 and early 1995 during which its day- to-day functions were handled by Northern Command. Investigation needs during that short period were still met by CIB detectives.
On 1 July 1995, the restructuring of Crimes Command recognised the need for an enhanced Stock Squad within that command. This restructuring enhancement was not driven by any increase in cattle stealing or duffing or calls from the pastoral industry. The primary consideration was a recognition of the substantial increase in live cattle exports in the Northern Territory and the associated transshipment of cattle to the Territory from the states.
The current situation is that the Stock Squad is an established unit, within the Northern Crime Division, comprised of 2 detectives who report directly to the Superintendent, Northern
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Crime Command, who in turn answers to the Commander, Territory Crime Squad. There is no specific budget for the Stock Squad. At present, all costs are met from within the Crime Command budget. The incumbent officer in charge of the Stock Squad is Detective Senior Constable Martin James. The second position is currently vacant, and the vacancy has been advertised. There is no specific role for a mounted section within the Stock Squad although the mounted section may be used as a specific resource when required. The primary objective of the Stock Squad remains to reduce the incidence of cattle stealing and illegal mustering in the Territory. In meeting this objective, the Stock Squad liaises with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, primary producers, interstate police stock squads and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.
I hope that provides the member with a complete answer. There was some confusion initially because, in the furore in the Chamber, it was believed she had asked about a dog squad. I knew the police did not have a dog squad, but I was aware that Correctional Services has a dog squad. That is the answer on the Stock Squad.
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On 1 July 1995, the restructuring of Crimes Command recognised the need for an enhanced Stock Squad within that command. This restructuring enhancement was not driven by any increase in cattle stealing or duffing or calls from the pastoral industry. The primary consideration was a recognition of the substantial increase in live cattle exports in the Northern Territory and the associated transshipment of cattle to the Territory from the states.
The current situation is that the Stock Squad is an established unit, within the Northern Crime Division, comprised of 2 detectives who report directly to the Superintendent, Northern
Page 1264
Crime Command, who in turn answers to the Commander, Territory Crime Squad. There is no specific budget for the Stock Squad. At present, all costs are met from within the Crime Command budget. The incumbent officer in charge of the Stock Squad is Detective Senior Constable Martin James. The second position is currently vacant, and the vacancy has been advertised. There is no specific role for a mounted section within the Stock Squad although the mounted section may be used as a specific resource when required. The primary objective of the Stock Squad remains to reduce the incidence of cattle stealing and illegal mustering in the Territory. In meeting this objective, the Stock Squad liaises with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, primary producers, interstate police stock squads and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.
I hope that provides the member with a complete answer. There was some confusion initially because, in the furore in the Chamber, it was believed she had asked about a dog squad. I knew the police did not have a dog squad, but I was aware that Correctional Services has a dog squad. That is the answer on the Stock Squad.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016