Tuesday 2^nd May 2000

The Liberal and Labor parties have combined in Parliament, to keep in place a powerful restraint on the otherwise independent Police Complaints Authority.

Democrats Shadow Police Minister, Ian Gilfillan moved to free the authority to pursue investigations on his/her own initiative.

The Police (Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings) Act prevents the PCA pursuing matters on the Authority’s own initiative, unless he/she has the support of the Police Commissioner and/or the Minister.

"This sort of restraint can potentially erode confidence in the impartiality of the Police complaints process," Mr Gilfillan says.

"I moved an amendment today, to give the Authority full discretion to pursue inquiries on his/her own initiative. However Labor and Liberals combined to keep the authority’s powers in this area subject to a veto by the Minister and Commissioner."

In a separate move, the Democrats were successful with an amendment which will help honest police officers to clear their name.

The Iris Stevens report into the PCA’s operations in 1998 highlighted the fact that officers who come forward voluntarily, to attend PCA interviews, need not be told what had been alleged against them.

"The Government acknowledged this problem but did nothing about it. My amendment which was carried today, ensures that voluntary attendees will now have the same rights as police officers who are compelled to attend at interviews."