PUBLIC VIOLENCE —
PERTH
656. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:
I
refer to the daily violent attacks in Perth, including an innocent Western Australian
brutally assaulted in their front yard early last night in Highgate. Is
the Premier aware that the rate of violent crime—I do not mean petty
crime; I mean violent crime against the
person—is now the highest on record in Western Australia according to
the statistics published on the Western Australia Police Force website?
Mr M.
McGOWAN replied:
I am aware that since this
government came to office, we have employed an additional 300 police officers.
Since this government came to office, we have delivered an additional $400 million
for police, we have provided additional police stations and we have opened many
stations 24 hours and extended the hours. I am also aware that this government
has provided additional support for police, which has been talked about for
decades, whether it is stab-proof vests or a police redress scheme—a
dignified process for police officers to leave the force rather than the old
process that I think was called section 8 under the old act. Obviously, any
violent crime is unacceptable and violent crime against the elderly is appalling.
When these offenders are apprehended, we expect the courts to put in place the most severe penalties for anyone
who would hurt or beat someone who is defenceless and elderly. The police are
very focused. I had a meeting with the police commissioner this morning. They
are very focused on dealing with these matters as quickly and as efficiently as
possible and protecting the elderly of Western Australia.