Published November 2024
While the Police Commissioner has “no issues” with the report of the Premier’s Taskforce into police recruitment and retention being made public, Labor’s Police Minister Dan Cregan seemingly does.
The Premier’s Taskforce – which was established in July 2022 and touted as a Labor election commitment being delivered – promised to make important recommendations on police resourcing and numbers.
The Police Commissioner confirmed on radio today that he had “no issues” with the Premier’s Taskforce being made public but the Government is still refusing to release the critical report.
Shadow Minister for Police, Jack Batty, queried what Labor’s Police Minister Dan Cregan had to hide.
“If the Police Commissioner has no issue with us seeing this important report, why does Dan Cregan?” Mr Batty asked.
“The Minister might be worried this report lays bare his under-resourcing of SAPOL and the impact it is having on frontline policing and community safety.
“He should put aside his embarrassment and get on with trying to help our cops.
“Labor must immediately release the report of the Premier’s Taskforce in full so that we can get on with the job of properly recruiting, retaining and resourcing our police officers.
“While Labor’s Police Minister Dan Cregan keeps secrets, crime keeps soaring.
“This report has presumably been sitting on the desk of Labor’s Police Minister Dan Cregan since he was made Minister. In the meantime, we have a shortfall of nearly 200 police officers and cops leaving the force in droves.
“Our Police are crying out for help from the Government, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears.
“It is shocking to discover that a report which could have potential solutions – to better protect the community and boost police resources and presence – is being left to gather dust.”
Media contact: Lesley Johns 0412 583 577
