BROUGH WRONG ON INDIGENOUS POLICING REPORT

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister, Mal Brough’s response to the long overdue release of the Valentin report is disappointing yet not surprising, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.

The Valentin Report into Policing in Remote Indigenous Communities was commissioned by the Commonwealth Government last year.

“It is clear that Mal Brough did not even read his own report before releasing it today,” Ms Spence said.

“He is dismissive of Queensland’s request for a plane to police Torres Strait communities. There is nothing wrong with this request as these are the most isolated Indigenous Communities in Australia and it makes sense that a plane is a sensible way to service them.” Ms Spence said.

“This was only one of a number of priorities that Queensland put forward to the Commonwealth.”

“Mal goes on to say Queensland chose not to fully cooperate, when we clearly gave Mr Valentin a list of our priorities that included police stations and police housing.”

Mr Valentin even acknowledged in his cover letter to the report that he had extensive consultations, including Queensland.” Ms Spence said.

“Mal seems more inclined to communicate with the States via press release than showing a genuine interest in solving problems.”

“I have been to every Indigenous Community in Queensland and some 6 or 7 times. As the longest serving Indigenous Affairs Minister in this state and Police Minister, I know a great deal about these problems and I continue to work to solve them.”

Mal Brough and the Federal Government have a new found interest in these issues and I think if he is fair dinkum he should sit down with me and discuss them sensibly.

I have called Mal today and left a message and I look forward to his response.

• CLAIM: Mal Brough claims Queensland wants the Federal Government to fund a plane for the Torres Strait.

FACT: Queensland listed a plane as one of a number of priorities for Policing Indigenous Communities, as clearly listed on page 10 of Mr Brough’s own Valentin Report.

• CLAIM: Mal Brough claims Queensland was uncooperative with the report.

FACT: John Valentin met with high ranking police officers and State Government officers and Mr Valentin was given a thorough and lengthy document about policing in Indigenous Communities.

• CLAIM: The State Government refused to provide the number of police in Indigenous Communities.

FACT: These numbers were provided, and these numbers have been previously tabled in Queensland Parliament.

Media Contact: Troy Davies 0439 673 287