Mr EDE - 1995-03-01
In the April/May 1994 issue of the Nightcliff electorate newsletter, the member for Nightcliff stated: 'Nightcliff police station is to become a 24-hour operation. I have been lobbying for changes to the opening hours for some time and I was pleased when my colleague, Barry Coulter, gave assurances of the change recently'. Mr Speaker, for the benefit of honourable members, I seek leave to table a page from that newsletter.
Leave granted.
Page 467
Mr EDE: Mr Speaker, as the minister is aware, this promise, which was made by both the member for Nightcliff and the Treasurer in the lead-up to the election, is not worth the paper it is written on. It has not been implemented and the McAulay/Bowe report recommends shopfront opening for only 2 shifts per day. Can the minister inform this Assembly why that promise has been abandoned so quickly by the government?
Mr Stirling: A good question.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is a good question because it demonstrates quite specifically just how in touch the Leader of the Opposition is. As he quoted from the member for Nightcliff's newsletter, a commitment was given that the Nightcliff local police office would be operational 24 hours a day. For some time now, that office has been operational for 24 hours a day with a staff of 30 actually stationed there.
Mr Ede: Come on! Is the front door open 24 hours a day?
Mr MANZIE: The fact is that the local police office is operational 24 hours a day with a staff of 30. If, in his wisdom, the Leader of the Opposition feels that he should interfere with the role of the Commissioner of Police ...
Mr Ede interjecting.
Mr MANZIE: I am sorry, but the member is saying that a politician should direct the Commissioner of Police to station somebody in a particular duty. The operational role of the police force is a matter for the commissioner. However, the ALP disagrees with that. Members opposite like to interfere in processes such as policing. That is fine ...
Mr Stirling: It was the local member who made the promise, not the Commissioner of Police.
Mr MANZIE: It is more important for the police to be out dealing with offences in the street, dealing with crime in Nightcliff, rather than performing a non-operational role.
The newsletter was very clear. The Leader of the Opposition is being a little too cute. The commitment in the newsletter is well and truly maintained. I urge the Leader of the Opposition to get out and talk to people, instead of trying to score a few cute points, and even making nonsense of that.
Page 468
Leave granted.
Page 467
Mr EDE: Mr Speaker, as the minister is aware, this promise, which was made by both the member for Nightcliff and the Treasurer in the lead-up to the election, is not worth the paper it is written on. It has not been implemented and the McAulay/Bowe report recommends shopfront opening for only 2 shifts per day. Can the minister inform this Assembly why that promise has been abandoned so quickly by the government?
Mr Stirling: A good question.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, it is a good question because it demonstrates quite specifically just how in touch the Leader of the Opposition is. As he quoted from the member for Nightcliff's newsletter, a commitment was given that the Nightcliff local police office would be operational 24 hours a day. For some time now, that office has been operational for 24 hours a day with a staff of 30 actually stationed there.
Mr Ede: Come on! Is the front door open 24 hours a day?
Mr MANZIE: The fact is that the local police office is operational 24 hours a day with a staff of 30. If, in his wisdom, the Leader of the Opposition feels that he should interfere with the role of the Commissioner of Police ...
Mr Ede interjecting.
Mr MANZIE: I am sorry, but the member is saying that a politician should direct the Commissioner of Police to station somebody in a particular duty. The operational role of the police force is a matter for the commissioner. However, the ALP disagrees with that. Members opposite like to interfere in processes such as policing. That is fine ...
Mr Stirling: It was the local member who made the promise, not the Commissioner of Police.
Mr MANZIE: It is more important for the police to be out dealing with offences in the street, dealing with crime in Nightcliff, rather than performing a non-operational role.
The newsletter was very clear. The Leader of the Opposition is being a little too cute. The commitment in the newsletter is well and truly maintained. I urge the Leader of the Opposition to get out and talk to people, instead of trying to score a few cute points, and even making nonsense of that.
Page 468
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016