Ms BADGER – I reckon we can get through these before the break. I have two quick questions. They’re broadly both about vehicles. The Motor Accident Insurance Board has historically funded Tasmania Police to provide full‑time taskforces across the state to assist with road safety strategies. Can we have confirmation that that funding is still incoming, and that it’s still being used for that purpose?
Mr BODNAR – Yes, certainly, that money is still forthcoming. We’ve had a good relationship with the MAIB for a number of years now. The agreement has recently been renewed, and we’re just waiting on an updated MOU to come through. I have it on good authority from the CEO of MAIB that the funding and the MOU will continue in similar terms.
Ms BADGER – Fantastic. The other question was, back in June, Drive magazine ran an article that Tasmania Police is considering the new turbo six‑cylinder BMW Series 3 to come in for highway patrol duties. I was wondering how that’s progressing, and if any other vehicles were considered?
Mr ELLIS – I know you’re interested as a motor mechanic as well.
Ms BADGER – This is my favourite topic, although not normally involving the police.
Mr HIGGINS – As you know, we have trialled different vehicles, particularly for our highway patrol, which was started a couple years ago. We brought in the Kia Stingers and were disappointed; not all staff loved the Kia Stingers –
Ms JOHNSTON – Shame.
Mr HIGGINS – But they were disappointed that they were discontinued. We looked at the Volkswagen Passat wagons, which they were quite keen on, but we have been unable to get those ones as well. That’s to do with the ratings, I understand. The BMWs are the next ones to come, and I believe they are imminent.
Ms ADAMS – We have five on order.
Mr HIGGINS – I saw a picture and they look very nice.
Mr ELLIS – The police packs are quite different to what people might be imagining.
Ms BADGER – Yes, I’m guessing it’s not the standard manufactured version. I was wondering what the cost allocation for those new vehicles was.
Ms ADAMS – I can’t give you that. We normally go through Treasury in terms of the lease of the vehicles. No doubt it will come with an additional cost. We can certainly get that. It’s about having a limited number of these vehicles that really catch the attention of drivers, that there’s a highly visible marked up police vehicle, if I speed or am using my phone while I’m driving, I could get caught. It’s really around that high visibility. It’s not something that will be rolled out across the fleet. It’s really to promote the branding that you could get caught if you offend while driving.
Ms BADGER – Thank you.
