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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 13 Hansard (27 November) . . Page.. 4834 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

Why would you go out seeking sponsorship? Are we going to put on our patrol cars "Sponsored by McDonalds"? Perhaps we could put a sign on the top of the car. We could get one of those Domino's Pizza signs for the top of the police car "Sponsored by Domino's". This government is of the view that we fund the police services and we do not go seeking sponsorship for them. That really is a reflection of the struggle Mr Humphries had in this unviable proposition that he forced on the police force.

Operationally, the mounted police team had very severe limitations. It was not a function that could really work successfully. Police horses are good in some circumstances: they are good for show, for ceremonial occasions, and for promotions; but not much else. It has been estimated that in an eight-hour shift, the horses and their riders patrol for approximately five hours. It is just not a matter of hopping into a car and off you go.

Being based at Hall, the horses have to travel and be prepared prior to commencing duty, which may have taken up to one-and-a-half hours just to get them ready. Preparations include grooming, strapping, feeding, saddling, and then transportation to the patrol area.

Mr Pratt: Come on, Bill!

MR WOOD: Do you deny that? Doesn't that have to be done?

Mr Pratt: No, what I'm saying is that you're making a big deal out of normal administration.

MR WOOD: No, you simply don't understand it; simple as that. Following completion of the patrol it takes up to another one-and-a-half hours to return the horses to their stables and deal with their general welfare-grooming and washing most commonly. Horses also need rest times during the patrol period and cannot be expected to work every day, particularly if patrolling on hard surfaces.

The horses were, at various stages when they were used, showing signs of work stress with their hooves being damaged by regularly patrolling on concrete and bitumen roadways. Ongoing maintenance costs and welfare issues for the horses limit the hours they can safely work. It was good to look at, yes, but it was not efficient.

Further, MPT patrols must have two members working at any one time, which means that if one member was undertaking training, rostered off, or on leave, then the team was effectively grounded. It was estimated that at least six horses and riders-that was the original aim-were needed to provide a sufficient police presence to manage staffing fluctuations.

In the final analysis, ACT Policing-even with a full team-would be able to deliver only limited operational outcomes for this service. The cost benefit, in terms of the time spent by members, could be much better utilised. There was a claim that the team was good in demonstrations. In fact, one of the conditions set in establishing the team was that the horses were not to be used, and properly not to be used, in those circumstances. That is not the place for horses both in respect of their own welfare and that of people.

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