With Nick Xenophon

March 20

Are Tasers Necessary?

At the request of the Commissioner of Police, the State Government agreed to provide $2.4 million to buy 300 tasers to be carried in all police patrol cars. SAPOL conducted a six-month trial of the electronic control devices, and say they are effective for dealing with armed offenders.

SAPOL says officers will be provided with eight-hour training courses in how to use tasers, and attached cameras will record their use, which will be reviewed by senior police.

Personal issue to police officers will be considered in the future, dependent upon satisfactory use of the new tasers.

I remain highly sceptical about the need for these devices and will closely monitor their use.

Maralinga Land Returned to the Maralinga Tjarutja

I supported legislation to return 3,000 square kilometres of land north-west of Ceduna to its traditional owners - the Maralinga Tjarutja people. The Government says the land, which was the site of nuclear testing from 1953 to 1963, is said to have been remediated.
There are many tourism opportunities for the Maralinga Township, with the original village still in existence. There will be funding for an interpretive centre and a caravan park accommodation facility may be available.

Parliament’s Last Three Days of Debate

Parliament will sit for three days this week, leaving only three days of debate until about may 2010. Meanwhile, Labor stifles debate on non-Government proposals by continually adjourning. As a result, many issues will be adjourned until next year or even dropped altogether. One item shelved is the proposal for an Independent Commission against Corruption.