Page 4329 - Week 14 - Thursday, 24 October 1991

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

ATTORNEY GENERAL

ACT LEGISLATION ASSEMBLY

QUESTION ON NOTICE

NO 479

Police Force Funding Reduction

Mr Stefaniak - asked the Attorney General

Although statements frequently made by members of the ALP assert that the cost of policing in the ACT is very high, the Chief Minister has stated that the police budget will not be cut

(1) Does the government propose to maintain the same number of police in operational areas.

(2) What are the current figures on operational and clerical staff, and what are the precise details of any proposals to cut staff.

(3) In what specific areas, if any, will cost cutting measures be undertaken.

Mr Connolly - the answer to the Members question is as follows:

(1) &

(3) The level of funding for ACT policing announced in the

1991/92 Budget is $53.4m. This represents a reduction of

$1.2m on expenditure in 1990/91 or just over 2% which is

significantly less than that applied to other government

programs.

The day-to-day operation of the police force is the responsibility of the AFP Commissioner and it is his decision as to how resources are deployed. Consistent with the provisions of the Policing Arrangement, the Government will be consulted to ensure that the needs of the community are met.

(2) There are currently 706 police personnel attached to the

ACT Region of the AFP, of which 46 are staff

members providing support to operational policing.

On returning to office, the Government raised with the Commonwealth the need to review the number of positions fully paid for by the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has agreed to fund an additional 42 police personnel. The ACT is now responsible for funding 618 personnel and the Commonwealth 88 personnel.

4329

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