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.