POLICE RECRUITMENT

189 The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (18 February 2009). Can the Deputy Premier advise how much of the $23 million reduction in operating expenditure in public order and safety referred to on page 7 of the Final Budget Outcome document (2007-08) relates to the 'difficulties in recruiting police officers in a tight labour market'?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): The Treasurer has provided the following information:

Of the $23 million under expenditure reported in the 2007-08 Final Budget Outcome document, $8 million can be attributed to under expenditure in sworn police officer employee expenses resulting from recruitment delays.