Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 11 Hansard (14 December) . . Page.. 3169 ..

As I am sure members are aware, the Australian Law Reform Commission is currently examining a reference on "Complaints against the Australian Federal Police and the NCA"

The ACT has provided a submission to the ALRC outlining concerns about current processes involving complaints from ACT citizens and the provision of information to the ACT Minister.

The ALRC has recently issued a discussion paper which canvasses among other things notification of, and ongoing information about, ACT complaints and what mechanisms should be in place to give effect to this. It also raises issues concerning an amendment to the Self Government Act as I have outlined above and the implications for the complaints regime of the commensurate statutory appointment of an ACT Police Commissioner. We will be providing comments to the ALRC on this discussion paper.

The Government will however, await the final report of the ALRC before considering any action in respect of complaints against AFP officers involved in the policing of the ACT. I envisage that the ALRC's recommendations in respect of the ACT will be addressed in the context of the development of a new Policing Arrangement.

Mr Speaker, we have come a long way in understanding and appreciating the context of, and priorities for, the provision of police services in the ACT by the AFP. The Government is committed to the continued refinement of this relationship and to working toward the establishment of a policing structure for the ACT which has at its core the maintenance of quality policing services for the ACT Community.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .