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Question and Answer Tracking Details

7556 - DRUG DETECTION DOGS

Greenwich, Alex to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Police

(1) Is it true that drug detection dogs were used at the Barangaroo Australia Day public events?

(2) What consultation did the Government undertake with First Nations communities and police Aboriginal liaison officers about using drug detection dogs at this event?

(3) What other Australia Day events were subject to drug detection dog operations?

(4) What other major celebratory events over the last 12 months were subject to drug detection dog operations?

(5) What criteria are used to determine which major celebratory events will be subject to drug detection dog operations?

(6) To what extent does NSW Police protocol allow regular use of drug detection dogs at public events expected to attract First Nations peoples?

(7) What changes will be made to drug detection dog protocols following concerns about racial profiling in use of drug detection dogs at Australia Day events?
Answer -

I am advised:

(1) No NSW Police Force drug detection dogs were deployed at the Barangaroo Australia Day public event.

(2) Consultation was not undertaken, as drug detection dogs were not deployed at this event.

(3) One drug detection dog was deployed with the Marine Area Command at King Street Wharf, focussing on dance party events being hosted on licensed charter vessels.

(4) Drug detection dogs have been deployed to a range of events over the last 12 months,

including the following examples:

  • NYE in the Park (Victoria Park),
  • Field Day on New Year's Day,
  • Melbourne Cup Day (Randwick Racecourse),
  • Golden Slipper Day (Rosehill Racecourse), and
  • Bathurst 1000 Supercars

(5) Determinations will be based on available intelligence.

(6) The potential race, ethnicity, or cultural identity of attendees is not considered a factor when determining where drug detection dogs will be deployed.

(7) No changes are proposed.

Question asked on 23 March 2022 (session 57-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 146
Answer received on 27 April 2022 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 151

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.