QUESTION: Police Commissioner Protocol

The SPEAKER: Point of order, let's hear the point of order.

Mr KOUTSANTONIS: This is debate.

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Morialta will hear the point of order.

Mr KOUTSANTONIS: Point of order, sir: the minister is not responsible for the motives or the reliance of the opposition.

The SPEAKER: Yes, that is right.

Mr KOUTSANTONIS: He should keep his remarks to what the government is doing.

The SPEAKER: That's right. The minister will not respond to interjection.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Okay, I take your guidance, sir, and I'm very pleased to receive it.

The SPEAKER: You're on two warnings.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: I am even more pleased for the reminder. The fact is that the operations of police visiting schools have happened before. When we announced the policy that we wanted to have the opportunity for police dogs to visit schools, particularly those where the police thought that there was a benefit from doing so, the outrage of the Labor Party at that stage was confusing because there were schools where this process had taken place. We want to make it easier for schools and the police to work together. We want to have a clear set of guidelines and understanding of how these processes can operate.

There were a number of points that were raised and discussed when we met with the police commissioner. In fact, the police were very happy to work with the education department in developing these protocols. They raised questions that we were able to provide answers to, about what the government's desires were in relation to achievement of this policy, and we were able to respond within the framework of the policy that we took to the election and which the people of South Australia voted for. Why those opposite seem so intent on blocking the intent of the South Australian people is beyond me.

Mr Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: This is debate. I think the minister has finished. Member for Elizabeth.