Mr ADAMSON - 1995-05-25
The minister has mentioned an active recruiting program for police officers that has been in place since January 1994. What other recommendations from the McAulay/Bowe review may be implemented shortly?
Mr Stirling: You have no hope. He does not know his job.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, as members know, with the exception of the member for Nhulunbuy who never listens to anything that is said in this House, I provided information to the House regarding the recruiting program. In the period from January 1994, 190 personnel have been recruited or are about to go into training.
Page 602
Mr Stirling: Where do they all go?
Mr MANZIE: The member for Nhulunbuy does not wish to hear that. He thrives on ignorance. Probably, his own ignorance gives him the greatest lift that he has had ...
Mr Stirling: You cannot even answer whether Nhulunbuy will get an increase, yet you are the minister!
Mr MANZIE: ... so information is a danger to the operation ...
Mr Stirling: It is your job!
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MANZIE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a great performer, isn't he. I do not know what he was like at school but I am sure that his teachers were impressed. However, I digress.
Other key recommendations of the McAulay/Bowe report will be implemented from 1 June. I will detail a couple of those. The Katherine region will be rezoned from Southern Command to Northern Command. Also on 1 June, a superintendent's position will be created for the Tennant Creek district. I am sure that the member for Barkly will be pleased to hear that.
Mrs Hickey: Hear, hear! At long last!
Mr MANZIE: Another recommendation is the reduction from 3 to 2 patrol bases for the Darwin region to enable a greater and more effective presence on the road thereby allowing for increased response to the community. Obviously, we are all keen to see that. Another recommendation that will be implemented is the centralisation of the CIB in the Darwin region, with the exception of the Fraud Squad.
As members would be aware, I indicated in the budget that the Alice Springs Fire Station is due to commence in December this year. However, that will be relocated to Telegraph Terrace. The present site, adjacent to the police station, can then be cleared to enable the planned expansion of the Alice Springs Police Station, cells and station proper. The government has made a commitment to do that, and it will be of benefit. I have alluded previously in the House to the fact that we are pursuing actively the options available to expand the police station facilities in the Darwin CBD. That may involve a front counter operation at the Mitchell Street side of the existing police station. In Palmerston, we are taking advantage of the current upsurge in commercial building activity in the central business district. In addition, we are exploring options for securing a long-term base for police operations in the Palmerston area and also for the rural area. Members would be aware that that was another recommendation of the McAulay/Bowe review. I hope to be in a position to announce agreements on both projects - that is, for Palmerston and the Darwin rural area - in the near future.
Page 603
It is important for the community to realise that there is a great deal of activity in relation to the police. That particular process will continue in accordance with the recommendations of the McAulay/Bowe report. I believe that all members support that process, and I will continue to keep the Assembly informed.
Page 604
Mr Stirling: You have no hope. He does not know his job.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, as members know, with the exception of the member for Nhulunbuy who never listens to anything that is said in this House, I provided information to the House regarding the recruiting program. In the period from January 1994, 190 personnel have been recruited or are about to go into training.
Page 602
Mr Stirling: Where do they all go?
Mr MANZIE: The member for Nhulunbuy does not wish to hear that. He thrives on ignorance. Probably, his own ignorance gives him the greatest lift that he has had ...
Mr Stirling: You cannot even answer whether Nhulunbuy will get an increase, yet you are the minister!
Mr MANZIE: ... so information is a danger to the operation ...
Mr Stirling: It is your job!
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MANZIE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a great performer, isn't he. I do not know what he was like at school but I am sure that his teachers were impressed. However, I digress.
Other key recommendations of the McAulay/Bowe report will be implemented from 1 June. I will detail a couple of those. The Katherine region will be rezoned from Southern Command to Northern Command. Also on 1 June, a superintendent's position will be created for the Tennant Creek district. I am sure that the member for Barkly will be pleased to hear that.
Mrs Hickey: Hear, hear! At long last!
Mr MANZIE: Another recommendation is the reduction from 3 to 2 patrol bases for the Darwin region to enable a greater and more effective presence on the road thereby allowing for increased response to the community. Obviously, we are all keen to see that. Another recommendation that will be implemented is the centralisation of the CIB in the Darwin region, with the exception of the Fraud Squad.
As members would be aware, I indicated in the budget that the Alice Springs Fire Station is due to commence in December this year. However, that will be relocated to Telegraph Terrace. The present site, adjacent to the police station, can then be cleared to enable the planned expansion of the Alice Springs Police Station, cells and station proper. The government has made a commitment to do that, and it will be of benefit. I have alluded previously in the House to the fact that we are pursuing actively the options available to expand the police station facilities in the Darwin CBD. That may involve a front counter operation at the Mitchell Street side of the existing police station. In Palmerston, we are taking advantage of the current upsurge in commercial building activity in the central business district. In addition, we are exploring options for securing a long-term base for police operations in the Palmerston area and also for the rural area. Members would be aware that that was another recommendation of the McAulay/Bowe review. I hope to be in a position to announce agreements on both projects - that is, for Palmerston and the Darwin rural area - in the near future.
Page 603
It is important for the community to realise that there is a great deal of activity in relation to the police. That particular process will continue in accordance with the recommendations of the McAulay/Bowe report. I believe that all members support that process, and I will continue to keep the Assembly informed.
Page 604
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016