Democrats unfit to comment on crime: Police Minister

1/8/00
Police Minister Kevin Prince said today that Democrat Helen Hodgson was not qualified to provide informed comment on crime issues in Western Australia.
"This is a person who wants to repeal mandatory sentencing, a process supported by the Government, the Opposition and the public," Mr Prince said.
"Ms Hodgson had no comment to offer on the Weapons Act when it was being debated in Parliament.
"She has also been silent on the major issues of prostitution and graffiti when they were being debated."
Mr Prince said that Ms Hodgson would do well to acquaint herself with the latest ABS figures on crime in WA which showed that since 1998, crime rates had fallen in all categories except two. This included armed robbery and home burglaries.
"The crime rate almost doubled under Labor in the 1980s. It has now plateaued under the Coalition Government's concerted efforts to address policing and justice issues ," he said.
"For example, the latest figures show a 21 per cent drop in the number of car thefts which endorses the stand taken by this Government in having immobilisers fitted to motor vehicles.
"Western Australia and New South Wales were the only States to show a decrease in motor vehicle theft while all other states and territories showed an increase.
"The State Government also spends more than $2 million a year through the WA Police Service and SAFER W.A. alone on community-based crime prevention.
"This work is now obviously bearing fruit."
Mr Prince said the shallow political stunt pulled by the Democrats today would cause unnecessary fear in the community over issues that were already being strenuously addressed.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 9220 5000