Spence announces Review of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act (PPRA)

Police Minister Judy Spence today announced the five yearly review of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 will commence to ensure that policing powers are adequate and sufficient for both Queensland’s police officers and the community.

“It has been almost five years since the last review of the PPRA was undertaken and with the rapidly changing nature of crime, it is timely that a review of police powers is undertaken again.” Ms Spence said.

“This ensures that Queensland’s police are always in the best position to respond to the ever changing policing needs of the Queensland community.” Ms Spence said.

“The review will be undertaken in three stages. Stage One which commenced this week is asking police themselves to identify any areas of legislation that can be improved upon.

“Once police have finished stage one of the review, I will establish a formal committee comprising of key stakeholders which will examine police recommendations and take further submissions from the public.”

“The final stage will be for the Committee to evaluate all recommendations to present their final findings to me, for government to consider.” Ms Spence said.

I envisage the PPRA Review Committee will include representatives of the legal fraternity, the Civil Liberties’ Council and the CMC as it has done previously.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said he will encourage all officers to contribute comments and ideas in this review.

“The Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 is the lifeblood of policing powers for the Queensland public and this review is crucial in ensuring that we have the appropriate policing powers to carry out our responsibilities to the community,” Mr Atkinson said.

During stage one, police officers who may be able to offer suggestions for legislative reform will be encouraged to provide advice on those problems or proposals.

The initial terms of reference for stage one of the review are:

·assessing the adequacy of safeguards both in terms of ensuring the provisions of the Act are complied with and whether particular safeguards are over burdensome or in fact, necessary;

·consolidating and simplifying similar powers, e.g., the separate impoundment powers that relate to ‘road hoons’, motorbike noise, and traffic offences;

·assessing the benefit of dividing the PPRA into specific, purpose designed Parts or Acts, e.g., Police Powers and Responsibilities (Investigative Powers) Act, the Police Power and Responsibilities (Watch-house Officers) Act, or the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Covert Surveillance) Act; and

·Reviewing the need for additional powers for police officers.

Stage one should be completed within twelve months, with the review finalised by 2009.

Media contacts: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287

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