Operation Vikings
Page: 5458
The Hon. PETER PRIMROSE: My question without notice is to the Minister for Police. What is the latest information on Operation Vikings?
The Hon. Michael Gallacher: Point of order: The blue and white ribbon is a national symbol of police remembrance. I draw the attention of the Minister for Police to the fact that he is improperly wearing the ribbon, that is, on the wrong side of his suit. I think he should show some decency and knowledge by wearing it properly instead of displaying contempt by wearing it in that fashion.
The Hon. Michael Costa: To the point of order: This is actually a New South Wales Police Association badge, not the blue and white ribbon. It is correct that the blue and white ribbon is worn on the right, but mine is not the blue and white ribbon. It is a Police Association badge, which can be worn on the left. If the honourable member has a sensible point of order to make, he should make it. The point I make is that tomorrow's events should be treated with dignity.
The PRESIDENT: Order! I have reminded honourable members on many occasions not to use points of order simply to make debating points.
The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: The community wants to see police in the right places at the right times, and the Government is committed to that. That is why this Government has introduced high-visibility, high-impact policing. This high-visibility, high-impact policing has won the support of the community and front-line police. That is why Operation Vikings will continue to roll out across the State.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: That was a stunt, an absolute stunt.
The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: Operation Vikings is targeting major transport routes, hot spots, shopping centres and areas of community concern. I note the interjection from the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, "It is a stunt."
The Hon. Duncan Gay: It is a stunt.
The Hon. MICHAEL COSTA: We will add that to the list, Duncan. Since 24 May there have been Vikings operations in Sydney, Wollongong, Orange and Dubbo. Planning is under way for additional regional Vikings operations. NSW Police staged the twelfth Operation Vikings last weekend on the streets of inner-metropolitan Sydney. I am advised that 600 police saturated the streets of Burwood, Marrickville, Newtown, St George, Surry Hills, Kings Cross and the central business district. The Inner-Metropolitan Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dick Adams, advises that 60 people were arrested during the operation, including 27 for offences such as drug possession and supply, and stealing. A further 16 people were arrested on first instance warrants. Police patrolled 152 trains and 263 licensed premises. They issued 147 move-on directions, stopped 5,600 vehicles, issued 552 traffic infringement notices, conducted 5,479 random breath tests and charged 25 people with drink driving.
I am advised further that police have charged two people with assaulting police during the operation. One officer was treated for a superficial wound after being hit with a bottle. The twelfth Operation Vikings was clearly a success. The combined results from all 12 Operation Vikings are no less impressive. I am advised that since the first operation on 24 May police have arrested 460 people, laid 600-odd charges, conducted 23,000 random breath tests, patrolled more than 1,400 trains and 700 licensed premises, issued 3,200 traffic infringement notices, conducted 500 knife searches, issued 650 move-along directions, and conducted 85 drug searches and 55 drug dog searches. Nearly 3,300 police have been deployed in these operations. These officers were drawn from a range of commands to support local police.
This is a point that, obviously, the Opposition does not understand: these are police additional to those who are normally rostered on. They include Transit Police, Special Crime and Internal Affairs officers, Police Citizens and Youth Clubs police, Traffic Services and Education Services officers, Water Police, Legal Services officers, Dog Squad police and mounted police. In line with the 1 July restructure, which includes a requirement for all police to be involved in visible policing, Commissioner Moroney and our deputy commissioners have been involved. More experienced officers are getting out from behind desks and are leading from the front. Front-line police tell me that high-impact, high-visibility policing, like Operation Vikings, makes a difference at the local level. On behalf of the community, I thank our police for their involvement. I ask the Opposition to apologise- [Time expired.]