Ms CARNEY - 2003-06-18
Since the police minister did not know the answer to this question, I am sure you do. What was the rank and experience of the initial investigating police officer whom you considered too junior to handle the matter of a minor traffic infringement? When the police did attend, how many were there and what were their ranks, minister?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, before you answer, I direct members to Standing Order 62. I have listened to these questions. I remind you that no member shall use offensive or unbecoming words against a member, nor shall a member attribute, directly or by innuendo, unbecoming conduct or motives, and all references to a member’s private affairs and all personal reflections on members shall be deemed highly disorderly. I believe, member for Araluen, you either rephrase that question or I will not accept it.
Ms CARNEY: Madam Speaker, thank you. Minister, would you be good enough to outline for members of this Assembly, and Territorians, what was the rank of the junior officer whom you believed was not experienced enough to handle this complaint of a minor traffic infringement? When other police officers came to your house, how many were there and what were their ranks?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you do not have to answer if you do not want to. I will apply Standing Order 62.
ANSWER
I will, Madam Speaker, because I have nothing to hide in this matter. I believe that the officer who first called was a constable, and when these officers came to my house, I believe the other two were sergeants. I would also like to add - I did not put it in my last answer – throughout this process all I sought to do was to facilitate, I guess, justice. Justice has been served in this whole issue. The outcome of the meeting at my house was that police requested a formal interview with my son at the police station. My son duly attended that interview. Following that, he was summonsed to court. He appeared in court, he pleaded guilty, and he was fined.
I sought, not to obstruct justice, not to exert influence, except as a father to see his son through a process. That process has been followed. I believe that should be the end of the matter.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson.
Mr KIELY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask a question which deals with the future of the Territory, not to dwell in the gutter like the opposition. All those questions which matter to the Territory, not like you lot. You gutter ranking, little …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson, resume your seat. You did not ask a question. Next question.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, before you answer, I direct members to Standing Order 62. I have listened to these questions. I remind you that no member shall use offensive or unbecoming words against a member, nor shall a member attribute, directly or by innuendo, unbecoming conduct or motives, and all references to a member’s private affairs and all personal reflections on members shall be deemed highly disorderly. I believe, member for Araluen, you either rephrase that question or I will not accept it.
Ms CARNEY: Madam Speaker, thank you. Minister, would you be good enough to outline for members of this Assembly, and Territorians, what was the rank of the junior officer whom you believed was not experienced enough to handle this complaint of a minor traffic infringement? When other police officers came to your house, how many were there and what were their ranks?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you do not have to answer if you do not want to. I will apply Standing Order 62.
ANSWER
I will, Madam Speaker, because I have nothing to hide in this matter. I believe that the officer who first called was a constable, and when these officers came to my house, I believe the other two were sergeants. I would also like to add - I did not put it in my last answer – throughout this process all I sought to do was to facilitate, I guess, justice. Justice has been served in this whole issue. The outcome of the meeting at my house was that police requested a formal interview with my son at the police station. My son duly attended that interview. Following that, he was summonsed to court. He appeared in court, he pleaded guilty, and he was fined.
I sought, not to obstruct justice, not to exert influence, except as a father to see his son through a process. That process has been followed. I believe that should be the end of the matter.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson.
Mr KIELY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask a question which deals with the future of the Territory, not to dwell in the gutter like the opposition. All those questions which matter to the Territory, not like you lot. You gutter ranking, little …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson, resume your seat. You did not ask a question. Next question.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016