The Rockliff Government must outline why it has failed to be open and transparent about the performance of the state’s police service.
The government appears to have ceased issuing its monthly police performance reports, which provide vital information about the prevalence of crime in our communities.
This data is collected and has always been provided within two months but we have had no published data since the December report.
The government has also made the decision to cease reporting on victimisation crime rate by police division – this data has consistently shown that the Launceston district has disturbingly high rates of victims crime when compared to its 12 police divisions.
The lack of transparency is becoming a hallmark of this government. What are they hiding? The Liberal has had 10 years to demonstrate accountability and transparency in Tasmanian crime data.
Without an update, Tasmanians have no way of knowing the levels of vandalism, assaults or offences occurring in their area have increased or decreased.
This is out of step with almost a decade of reporting that has provided a comprehensive overview of performance benchmarks and allowed for the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management to workforce plan.
Tasmanians have the right to know about crime that is happening in their area and it is clear that this decision is failing Tasmanians.
It is time that the Rockliff Government reinstated this important monthly report to give Tasmanians confidence that their safety is of upmost importance.
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management