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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 9 Hansard (3 September) . . Page.. 2837 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

While it is likely that there would have been minimal extra costs for the officers of the ACT Emergency Services Bureau, I want to indicate to the Assembly that it may not be the case with respect to the Australian Federal Police. This morning I was briefed by the AFP that there are likely to be costs involved in the investigation. To indicate what the full cost of this investigation will be, it will be necessary to take account of the costs of salaries, penalties and on-costs of officers involved in the investigation against the costs of retaining those officers for other duties in any case - in other words, a separation of incremental costs from costs which would normally be incurred by the AFP in any case.

I do not feel comfortable about seeking a breakdown of costs incurred as a result of this investigation, because that would involve my being briefed on the detail of the investigation. As members are aware, the investigation by police is ongoing. To that end, I regret that I am unable to provide an answer to Mr Corbell's question at this time without being briefed on the reasons for those costs by way of a breakdown. For operational reasons, Mr Speaker, I have decided that pursuing those questions at this time is inappropriate for me as Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

MR HUMPHRIES: I indicated to Mr Moore, I think by way of interjection yesterday, that it is not legally possible for the Attorney-General to direct the Director of Public Prosecutions as to the way in which he carries out his duties. Somewhat to my surprise, I have discovered that there is a provision in the DPP Act, section 20, which does give me the capacity to direct the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to prosecution guidelines. I was not aware of that power. I am not sure that I want to exercise it, but - - -

Mr Moore: Flex your muscles, Gary.

MR HUMPHRIES: It is there, Mr Speaker, and perhaps consideration can be given to that in future.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, also in question time today the question was raised of Mr Whitecross having cast aspersions on the capacity of police to handle telephone calls. I did say that this was in a question. In fact, it was dealt with in a question, but originally it was dealt with by Mr Whitecross by way of a press release. I want to read into the record some of that press release. He referred to an incident on a Sunday in May 1995 when a person dialled 000 for an ambulance. He said:

What happened next would have read like a comedy of errors - - -

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