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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 72 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 February 2020 by Hon Aaron Stonehouse

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

POLICE — PERTH JDM CENTRAL CAR RALLY

72. Hon AARON STONEHOUSE to the minister representing the Minister for Police:

I refer the minister to the Premier's Facebook post of 17 January, in which he said, and I quote —

Motoring enthusiast clubs play a big role in local communities across our State.

We all know West Aussies love their classic cars and bikes, but our motoring enthusiasts also attend � exhibitions and events that often attract tourists or raise funds for charities.

Given this recognition of the important role of car rallies, I ask the following questions.

(1) Is the minister aware of a WA police operation targeting attendees at the Perth JDM Central car rally in Malaga on Saturday, 15 February 2020?

(2) Is it true that all entrances to and exits from the event were blocked, with WA police systematically working their way through and examining each participant's vehicle?

(3) Who approved this operation; how many police officers did it involve; for how long; at what cost; and how many infringement notices were issued?

(4) Is it normal practice for WA police to target motoring enthusiast events such as the Malaga meet in this manner?

(5) How can this heavy-handed approach to vehicle modification exist alongside the Premier's new-found appreciation for the motoring enthusiast community and his apparent wish to see such events thrive?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister for Police; Road Safety. The Western Australia Police Force advises as follows.

(1) This was a targeted action by police from the Western Australia Police Force state traffic operations. Police intelligence identified that Perth JDM Central was to hold a ''cruise'', with the meeting point at Bunnings, Malaga. The actions of this group have previously resulted in complaints from the community regarding antisocial driving behaviour.

(2) No. Police monitored the entrances and exits and interacted with all those entering and exiting. Police examined all modified vehicles present.

(3) This action was completed as normal business for state traffic operations. There were 14 police officers present, but not for the entire time. The action was conducted over a six-hour period. No infringements were issued.

(4) The WA Police Force monitors organised car club events and takes action when there is current or historical evidence of antisocial driving behaviour by these groups, to reduce the risk to other road users.

(5) All WA Police Force actions of this nature are proportionate to ensure that vehicles used on a road in Western Australia comply with established legislation, to ensure the safety of the vehicle user and other road users.