Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:24:23 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx WA’s road crash victims remembered this Sunday http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132774 Content:

People killed on Western Australian roads will be remembered this Sunday on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

 

Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson today launched the event at St. George’s Anglican Cathedral in Perth, where 209 pairs of shoes were placed on the ground to represent the number of lives lost on WA roads in 2008.

 

Mr Johnson said the day of remembrance provided an opportunity to remember those who had been victims of a road crash.

 

“Last year, 209 people died on our State’s roads and already this year another 165 people have been killed - a tragic loss of life,” he said.

 

“In fact, there are about 100 million families around the world coping with the death or disability of a family member involved in a road crash.

 

“All of us are road users and all of us have a responsibility to do our bit to reduce death and serious injury on our roads.”

 

Road traffic crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people worldwide every year and injure or disable as many as 50 million more.  It is the leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 years of age.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that by 2030 road trauma will be the fifth leading cause of preventable death.

 

For Remembrance Day this Sunday, St. George’s Anglican Cathedral will hold services at 8am, 10am and 5pm.

 

A small chapel at the side of the cathedral will be dedicated for remembrance, where loved ones and members of the public can pause to light a candle in honour of those lost to road trauma in WA and around the world.  All religious and non-religious backgrounds who wish to remember are invited to attend.

 

White ribbons will be handed out at the cathedral on Sunday to honour past victims of road trauma and to symbolise a united approach to tackling death and serious injury on WA roads. 

 

Visit http://www.ors.wa.gov.au or phone 138 138 for more information.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9211
Date: 13/11/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Police
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:43:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132774 Community safety in regional WA receives crime fighting boost http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132652 Content:

Police Minister Rob Johnson today announced the roll-out of a new crime fighting tool that will be provided to police officers in regional Western Australia.

 

Officers will now be equipped with handheld mobile data devices called TADISLite, which will provide them with vital information such as name and criminal history records, addresses, offender photographs and vehicle registration details.

 

The new system also has the ability to send task dispatch information directly to the handheld device, allowing police to respond to incidents more quickly and effectively.  

 

The devices have inbuilt global positioning system (GPS) that allows the officer’s location to be displayed on electronic mapping systems improving officer safety, resource management and deployment to community calls for assistance.

 

Mr Johnson said a total of 225 TADISLites would be given to police officers across the State, including in Kalgoorlie, Northam, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Broome.

 

“Previously, officers received dispatch information via radio communications,” he said.

 

“However, this information was not as detailed or secure as the new system and they often had to call back to base for more information.

 

“Now WA police officers can receive task details, as well as an offender’s background, record and location history before attending an incident, meaning they will have a more intelligence-led approach to policing.

 

“This will also improve their safety on the job as they will be better informed of the situation they may be confronting.”

 

The Minister said the State Government had funded an extra 350 TADIS devices for police cars across regional WA. The roll-out of these in-vehicle kits will begin next month.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9211
Date: 20/10/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Police
Region: Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:24:02 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132652 Arsonists face life imprisonment under new legislation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132608 Content:

Arsonists could face up to life imprisonment under sweeping new laws to be introduced today in State Parliament by the Liberal-National Government.

 

Attorney General Christian Porter and Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson said the laws would ensure arson was treated as one of the most serious criminal offences in Western Australia.

 

“We only have to look at the tragic Victorian bushfires earlier this year to understand the widespread devastation arsonists can cause,” Mr Porter said.

 

“The State Government has worked hard to develop laws that target, and appropriately penalise, all possible arson-related offences.

 

“Our legislation will significantly increase penalties and ensure the laws of this State recognise the inherent danger arsonists cause.”

 

The Attorney General said the legislation would increase - from 14 years to 20 years - the maximum jail-term for lighting a fire where it is likely damage would be done to persons or property will increase.

 

Where the person wilfully destroys or damages property by fire, the maximum penalty will increase from 14 years to life imprisonment.

 

Mr Johnson also warned would-be offenders the new legislation clearly defined the term ‘property’ to include vegetation.

 

“This means that if a person wilfully lights a fire that damages any sort of property or bushland, they will be sentenced under the new laws,” he said.

 

“The new legislation will also create an entirely new offence which makes it clear that if a person does not take reasonable care when in control of a fire or ignition source and someone is injured or killed as a result, the offender will be held to account.”

 

Mr Johnson said the State Government aimed to have the legislation passed before summer.

 

Attorney General’s office - 9220 5050

Emergency Services Minister’s office  - 9222 9211

Date: 13/10/2009
Minister: Porter;Johnson
Portfolio: Attorney General;Emergency Services;Police
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:55:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132608 Tough new restrictions on weapons http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132602 Content:

Police Minister Rob Johnson today flagged tough new restrictions on the sale and supply of controlled weapons to minors as part of an overall State Government strategy to improve safety in and around entertainment precincts in Western Australia.

 

Mr Johnson said he would be creating new offences under the Criminal Code and increasing penalties for offences under the Weapons Act 1999.

 

The Minister said anyone found with a weapon in or near a place of public entertainment could face up to five years’ jail.

 

“These restrictions will further safeguard law-abiding Western Australians and help eliminate weapons from our entertainment precincts,” he said.

 

“An important part of the legislation focuses on the sale of controlled weapons to young people, particularly those under 18.

 

“Anyone caught selling or supplying a controlled weapon to a minor faces two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $24,000.

 

“People have the right to have a night out without the fear of being attacked or threatened with a weapon.”

 

Controlled weapons include a machete, bow, crossbow, dagger, double end knife, fixed baton, hand or foot claws, machete, metal whip, sickle or scythe, spear, spear gun, sword, throwing blade or knife, throwing star, weighted chain or cord weapon.

 

The legislation creates the following new offences in the Criminal Code that will attract a penalty of five years’ imprisonment:

  • being armed in or near places of public entertainment
  • being armed in public in company
  • having ready access to both weapons and a prescribed amount of cash
  • having ready access to both weapons and illicit drugs.

The Bill also increases penalties within the Weapons Act:

  • penalties for importing, possessing, purchasing, selling, supplying or manufacturing prohibited weapons would increase from the current maximum of $8,000 and/or two years imprisonment to $36,000 and/or three years imprisonment
  • penalties for offences relating to the carriage or possession of controlled weapons would increase from the current maximum of $4,000 and/or one year imprisonment to $24,000 and/or two years imprisonment
  • penalties for offences relating to the carriage or possession of other items of weapons increased from the current maximum of $4,000 and /or one year imprisonment to $24,000 and/or two years imprisonment.

The legislation will be introduced into State Parliament this week.

 

Minister's office: 9222 9211

Date: 12/10/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Police
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:59:11 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132602 Greater police search powers to fight drugs and violence http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132600 Content:

The Liberal-National Government is empowering police to fight anti-social behaviour and drug offences with new authority to stop and search people in specifically declared public areas.

 

Premier Colin Barnett said the legislation to amend the Criminal Investigation Act 2006, set to be introduced into State Parliament in coming weeks, would help police combat the increase in the number of weapons, drugs and other items related to violence, crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

The new legislation would mean police could stop and search a person or a vehicle in a declared area without the requirement that they have to prove reasonable suspicion.

 

“The new laws would give police greater powers to stop and search people in particular areas where crime and anti-social behaviour is turning that area into a no-go zone for ordinary law abiding people,” Mr Barnett said.

 

“We will target known problem areas such as Northbridge after midnight, so families going out for a meal in Northbridge will not be a focus for the police.

 

“The people we are targeting are those who are carrying weapons or drugs and intending to create trouble and going to places like Northbridge and Scarborough or Mullalloo beaches where there have been problems in the past.

 

“This is an important part of a more comprehensive strategy that will be announced soon to make entertainment areas more attractive.

 

“It will be an effective tool for police in their fight against violence and drugs in our community, the effects of which are widespread: from the immediate danger these people pose to people around them and to police; ambulance officers, doctors and nurses treating victims of drugs and fights on our streets.

 

“There will be cries of infringement of civil liberties but we make no apologies if we give law abiding people, families and young women the freedom to go to places without fear for their safety.”

 

Under the current law, police can only stop and search a person if they reasonably suspect that a person is in possession of something relevant to an offence, such as weapons or drugs.

 

When the offender is taken to court, time and resources are often spent arguing whether the officer can justify the grounds for their suspicion instead of whether the offender was actually in possession of weapons, drugs or other illegal objects. 

 

The result is that some offenders get off on a technicality related to the reasons for the search taking place.

 

Police Minister Rob Johnson said the new legislation provided greater flexibility for the State Government and police when making a place a declared area.

 

Under Section 69 of the Criminal Investigation Act 2006, an area can be declared by the Government via regulations or by the Police Commissioner for security purposes.

 

“The flexibility we are providing in this legislation enables a specific area to be ‘declared’ at certain times on certain days,” Mr Johnson said.

 

“This will enable police to tailor the timing of their anti-social behaviour strategies and use of their new powers to the times and places they are necessary.

 

“Police will be able to carry out a basic, non-intrusive search on a person in accordance with police guidelines, similar to those carried out at airports.

 

“This Government has worked hard to deliver these and other powers to our police in the interests of improving community safety.”

 

The Premier said the stop and search legislation was the latest in a series of initiatives by the Liberal-National Government that supported police and aimed to improve community safety:  The Government had:

  • delivered mandatory sentencing laws to ensure anyone who assaulted a police officer would go to jail
  • delivered laws to cover medical expenses for police officers who leave the job suffering from an injury incurred while carrying out their duties 
  • fixed the previous Labor government’s botched truth-in-sentencing laws which gave criminals a one-third discount on their sentence
  • given police a pay rise 
  • introduced tougher anti-hoon legislation
  • set up a $13.5million fighting fund (funded via proceeds of crime) to help police combat bikie gangs and organised crime
  • working towards providing an additional 500 police officers and 200 support staff
  • reinstated the Graffiti Taskforce.

The new legislation will be reviewed after five years.

 

Premier's office: 9222 9475

Police Minister's office: 9222 9211

Date: 11/10/2009
Minister: Barnett;Johnson
Portfolio: Premier;Police
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:50:39 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132600 Assault a police officer and go to jail - starting today http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132510 Content:

Offenders who assault and cause bodily harm to police officers, ambulance officers, transit guards, court security officers or prison officers will face mandatory minimum jail terms starting today.

 

Attorney General Christian Porter said the new laws came into effect today after receiving royal assent from the Governor yesterday.

 

“The mandatory sentencing legislation was one of the key commitments from the Liberal Party in the 2008 election,” Mr Porter said.

 

“While the Labor Party said they would not oppose the Bill they delayed its progress in both houses of Parliament.

 

“However, the Liberal-National Government can now provide these laws for those public officers whose job it is to enforce the law or enter into dangerous situations with limited protection.

 

“Court figures suggest that assaults on public officers have increased by more than 10 per cent in the past five years.

 

“About 80 per cent of assaults on public officers are committed against police officers.”

 

Police Minister Rob Johnson said the laws were part of a long overdue culture shift in the way police officers were treated in WA.

 

“In the 2008-09 financial year there were 1,375 assaults on police officers,” Mr Johnson said.

 

“Since June this year there has already been more than 200 assaults.

 

“Where a police officer goes into a dangerous situation in the course of their duty, the officer deserves to know that the laws of this State support them and that there will be serious consequences if they are assaulted.”

 

Mr Johnson said police had prepared guidelines for charging offences leading to mandatory terms of imprisonment.

 

“Where they wish to allege that bodily harm has occurred, the charging officer will be required to obtain a medical certificate to that effect and seek the permission of an officer ranked Sergeant or above to proceed with the charge,” he said.

 

Mr Porter said the definition of bodily harm meant any bodily injury that interfered with health or comfort.

 

“Inherent in the legal definition of bodily harm is the necessity that the bodily injury be something more than a mere sensation of pain,” he said.

 

“It cannot be an injury that is insignificant or trifling or trivial.”

 

The laws will apply to all adult offenders and all juvenile offenders aged 16 or above.

 

The ‘Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2008’ will apply mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment as follows:

Level of injury sustained

Minimum term of mandatory  imprisonment/detention

Adults

Juveniles 16-18yrs

Grievous bodily harm

12 months

3 months

Bodily harm (in circumstances of aggravation)

9 months

3 months

Bodily harm

6 months

3 months

 

Attorney General’s office - 9220 5050

Police Minister’s office - 9222 9211

Date: 22/09/2009
Minister: Porter;Johnson
Portfolio: Attorney General;Police
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:58:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132510 New laws to boost community safety during a fire http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132493 Content:

Western Australia’s preparedness for major bushfires will be greatly enhanced under legislative amendments introduced today by Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson into State Parliament.

 

Mr Johnson said he would make a number of critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 which would reflect key recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission.

 

The amendments include:

 

·        The introduction of total fire bans

·        New arrangements for the control of major fires

·        Changes to the definition of the word ‘property’ to include Crown land and bush, as part of the State Government’s ongoing fight against arson

·        A revised fire danger rating system to include the terms ‘severe’ and ‘catastrophic’.

 

The Minister said the legislation was needed to enhance fire management in WA.

 

“The new laws will provide for a more co-ordinated and collaborative approach to fire management in WA which will boost community safety,” he said.

 

“The introduction of total fire bans will replace the current need to declare a bushfire emergency period. WA is the only State in Australia where the fire agency has no legislative provisions to declare a total fire ban.

 

“The existing bushfire emergency period can interfere with the businesses that undertake ‘hot work’ such as welding or grinding and may have to down tools for lengthy periods of time.

 

“The more defined nature of a total fire ban means that in the right circumstances with the appropriate exemptions, there will be less disruption to industry.”

 

Mr Johnson said the proposed changes would also see new arrangements for the control of major fires in WA.

 

Under existing arrangements, FESA, the Department of Environment and Conservation and local government can only manage fires on land based on their prescribed legislated role.

 

“Fire knows no boundaries and when fire moves onto another fire agency’s area of responsibility then the rules are unclear and confusing,” he said.

 

“Under the new arrangements, when a major fire occurs and resources are stretched, FESA can assume control to provide an effective co-ordinated and collaborative approach to help ensure community safety.”

 

The Minister said the critical amendments followed last month’s successful trial of StateAlert, a new system which will send potentially lifesaving warnings to communities where lives may be at risk from a rapidly developing emergency.

 

“WA is already ahead of other States with our StateAlert system; these new amendments will ensure that we are well prepared for the bushfire season which starts in December,” Mr Johnson said.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9211
Date: 16/09/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Emergency Services
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:08:56 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132493 Recruitment of auxiliary police officers to honour another election promise http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132478 Content:

More Western Australian police officers will soon be freed up to tackle front-line crime with Police Minister Rob Johnson set to introduce legislation which will enable the recruitment of police auxiliary officers.

 

The policy was a key component of the State Government’s election promises before winning power at last year’s election.

 

The auxiliary officers will have legislative powers as set on a case-by-case basis by Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan.

 

The auxiliary officers would free-up frontline police, who were often tied up with non-operational administrative duties instead of fighting crime on the streets.

 

Mr Johnson said putting more police on the frontline was the next step in the Government’s tough law and order program, following the successful passage of mandatory sentencing legislation in State Parliament last week which will protect police and other public officers.

 

“I plan to introduce the Police Amendment Bill 2009 this week.  It will enable the commissioner to immediately recruit the first 40 of the planned 150 auxiliary officers,” he said.

 

“Initially, police auxiliary officers will perform custodial duties in lockups and prisoner transportation, as well as managing and handling drugs, property and firearms.

 

“They will also carry out other support roles at police stations, enabling officers and detectives to concentrate on the front line. Those support roles could be expanded at a later stage to include investigative assistance, intelligence and prosecuting support.

 

“The police commissioner has been calling for this kind of flexibility in his staffing arrangements for years, so I am happy the Liberal-National Government is finally achieving that to further improve policing services in WA.

 

“I call on the Opposition to support this vital piece of legislation to ensure its swift passage through State Parliament so that we can start hiring the additional police officers immediately.”

 

The Minister said the State Government had allocated $208.5million in recurrent funding - beginning in 2009-10 and continuing over the forward estimates - to fulfil its election pledge to boost police ranks with an additional 500 officers and 200 support staff.

 

Auxiliary officers will wear a uniform to identify them as a member of WA Police, but distinguish them from fully-sworn police officers.  It is likely to be similar in style to the uniforms worn by custody officers at the Perth Watch House.

 

They will not carry firearms but will be issued with other defensive equipment as determined by the commissioner.

 

The officers will have access to police powers and be covered by the police disciplinary procedure, allowing the commissioner to maintain high standards of professional integrity.

 

Mr Johnson said that in addition to the extra 500 police officers and 200 support staff, the State Government was ensuring WA Police were well-resourced and protected, including:

 

·             $113million for the new Perth Police Complex in Northbridge

·             $47.5million to expand the Perth Metropolitan Radio Network

·             $34million to build new and replacement police stations

·             $8million to re-open country police stations

·             a pay deal providing an eight per cent increase in salary across two years

·             covering the medical expenses of police officers who leave the job suffering from an injury incurred while carrying out their duties.

 

“This Government is honouring its promise to make law and order a top priority,” the Minister said.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9211
Date: 13/09/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Police
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:41:43 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132478 Minister opens WA’s first Bush Fire Summit http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132390 Content:

Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson will today launch the first Western Australian Bush Fire Summit, following Sunday’s highly successful trial of the Australian-first emergency warning system, StateAlert.

 

Mr Johnson said WA was leading the way with its preparation and response planning for bushfires, with the outcomes of the summit further developing work already started at a national and State level.

 

“This summit is a great chance to review, reassess and refine our bushfire management plans, including the recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission interim report,” he said.

 

“At a national level, WA was already re-evaluating fire policies through the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) before the Victorian Royal Commission released their report.

 

“WA is in a very good position to implement key recommendations relevant to our communities and is well ahead of the other States.

 

“On Sunday, WA undertook the nation’s first live trial of the emergency warning system StateAlert. Preliminary results show it was very successful, with messages sent to about 3,200 residents in the hills suburb of Bedfordale.

 

“I will soon be introducing critical amendments to the Bush Fires Act which will include the ability for FESA to take control of a major fire under specified circumstances, amending the definition of ‘property’ to prevent bushfire arsonists from evading the law and providing FESA the authority to declare a total fire ban.”

 

The Minister said work had begun at a national level on a response strategy to a potential scenario in which some properties could not be defended on days with high temperatures and strong winds.

 

Mr Johnson said the strategy would focus on ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ and would be used in the upcoming WA fire season.

 

“People must also continue to help fire agencies by ensuring they have a detailed, well thought out plan and that they prepare their properties for bushfires,” he said.

 

“We need to work together to ensure we do not see a repeat of the Victorian tragedy in WA.”

 

Minister's office - 9222 9211
Date: 25/08/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Emergency Services
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:04:31 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132390 New emergency warning system to help keep Western Australians safe http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132384 Content:

Police and Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson today unveiled the first live trial of a new emergency warning system to boost public safety during emergencies such as bushfires.

 

The provision of an emergency warning system to alert local communities was one of the key recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission’s interim report into this year’s tragic bushfires, which was released last week.

 

Mr Johnson said Western Australia was well ahead of the rest of the nation in developing an effective emergency warning system in preparation for this year’s bushfire season.

 

The Minister said the new StateAlert system would be trialled in the Bedfordale area, with more than 800 properties taking part to test the new telephone-based emergency warning system.

 

“While other States are still discussing the introduction of community warning systems, WA’s emergency services are well ahead of the pack in developing and operating a new warning system,” he said.

 

Mr Johnson said the trial of StateAlert would send a test message to a landline or mobile phone registered to households or buildings located within the test area. 

 

“StateAlert has been developed by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and WA Police to help send potentially lifesaving warnings to communities where lives may be at risk from a rapidly developing emergency,” he said.

 

“StateAlert can send an alert to an area as small as a suburban block through to an entire local government shire.

 

“This new technology is just one of a range of tools used to warn the public.

 

“It will only be used for life-threatening emergencies and where there is sufficient time to send a warning.”

 

The system includes reporting technology that will inform authorities on whether the messages were successfully sent and received, but authorities are also keen to obtain feedback from trial participants about the message information.

 

The Minister said the StateAlert technology had been developed in WA for some time.

 

Mr Johnson acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in amending the Telecommunications Act to allow States’ access to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND).

 

Minister's office - 9222 9211
Date: 23/08/2009
Minister: Johnson
Portfolio: Police;Emergency Services
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:55:31 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132384