The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management is responsible for the delivery of quality policing, fire and emergency management services in Tasmania. Comprised of Tasmania Police, the Tasmania Fire Service, the State Emergency Service, Forensic Science Service Tasmania, and Business and Executive Services, the Department is responsible to the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Hon Michael Ferguson MP.
The Tasmania Fire Service reports separately to the State Fire Commission for the purposes of financial reporting. Under governance arrangements established in 2014‑15, the State Emergency Service Director reports through the Chief Officer of the TFS. The SES is therefore incorporated within chapter 25 of this Budget Paper that provides information in relation to the State Fire Commission.
The Department is committed to providing a safe, secure and resilient Tasmania and building individual and organisational capacity in order to provide high quality services to the Tasmanian community. This capacity will be built by continuing to value the Department’s people, striving to implement innovative ideas and continually improving the Department’s business.
The Department aims:
· to be a values‑based organisation, which embraces the values of integrity, equity and accountability;
· for the community to feel safe and be safe;
· to reduce crime;
· to improve driver behaviour through traffic law enforcement; and
· to contribute to community resilience through effective security and emergency management.
This chapter provides the Department’s financial information for 2018‑19 and over the Forward Estimates period (2019‑20 to 2021‑22). Further information on the Department is provided at www.dpfem.tas.gov.au.
Table 8.1 provides a summary of the Budget and Forward Estimate allocations for key deliverables within the Department.
Table 8.1: Key Deliverables Statement
|
|
2018‑19 |
2019‑20 |
2020‑21 |
2021‑22 |
|
|
Budget |
Forward Estimate |
Forward Estimate |
Forward Estimate |
|
|
$'000 |
$'000 |
$'000 |
$'000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Election Commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Police Vessel Funding1 |
…. |
1 200 |
3 500 |
…. |
|
Crackdown on Anti‑Social Driving |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
Crackdown on Shoplifting |
50 |
100 |
100 |
50 |
|
Establishing the Firearms Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
Future Police Service Workforce Planning |
100 |
…. |
…. |
…. |
|
Improving Workers’ Compensation Provisions for Police Officers |
150 |
150 |
150 |
150 |
|
Increased Police Numbers |
4 025 |
7 475 |
10 925 |
14 375 |
|
Increased Police Support |
…. |
…. |
165 |
75 |
|
Longford Police Station |
2 000 |
3 000 |
…. |
…. |
|
New Norfolk Police Station |
2 500 |
2 500 |
…. |
…. |
|
Office of Security and Emergency Management2 |
…. |
…. |
…. |
…. |
|
Remote Area Teams |
100 |
115 |
160 |
160 |
|
Sorell Emergency Services Hub |
500 |
1 500 |
5 000 |
5 000 |
|
Supporting our Emergency Services Volunteers |
500 |
500 |
500 |
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
1. Funding in the Forward Estimates has been provided under the previous Large Vessel Replacement Program. Funding for replacement of the PV Van Diemen has been allocated for the 2022‑23 financial year.
2. This funding is managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The Government has provided $4.7 million in 2019‑20 and 2020‑21 to replace the PV Dauntless. In addition, funding of $6 million in 2022‑23 will be provided to continue the Government’s progressive and ongoing police vessel procurement program. This funding will continue to ensure that vessels are replaced at regular intervals, are reliable and are fit for purpose. The funding provided in 2022‑23 reflects the future replacement of the offshore police patrol vessel PV Van Diemen.
This initiative is supported by an allocation of $400 000 over four years so Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) with latest technology can be made available to Tasmania Police, along with training for police officers statewide.
This funding will assist in the Government commitment to crack down on anti‑social driving to ensure police can capture vehicles used in late night hooning, drag nights and mini‑bikes used in urban areas.
The Government will legislate an amendment to the Police Offences Act 1935 to make it an offence for a person, if a member of a prescribed Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, to wear, carry or openly display in a public place clothing, jewellery or other items that show the patches, insignia or logo of an “identified organisation”. Police officers will have power in a public place to arrest, to seize items, and the court to order their disposal upon conviction.
The Government has allocated $300 000 over four years to implement a number of initiatives designed to reduce shoplifting from Tasmanian businesses. This policy includes increasing police presence in shopping precincts and providing a no-interest loan scheme to small businesses that want to install good quality, high definition digital recording cameras for CCTV.
The Government will establish a representative peak body to provide advice to the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management and State Government generally, on all matters to do with the regulation and use of firearms in Tasmania. The Tasmanian Firearm Owners Council will be a nine‑member statutory body with the Chair and members to be paid positions. Nominations will be open to major stakeholder bodies. An allocation of $100 000 per annum has been provided to meet these costs.
In addition to the new 125 frontline Police officers resulting from the Government’s First‑Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative, the Government has provided $100 000 in 2018‑19 to Tasmania Police to undertake a workforce planning project. This project will identify future, long‑term service delivery requirements and assess the changing operating environment based on environmental scanning and workforce planning analysis. This project will allow Tasmania Police to ensure its capability and capacity is appropriately equipped, trained and structured to meet future requirements.
The Government will remove the ‘stepdown’ provisions that apply to Police Officers who are on workers’ compensation as a result of operational‑related injury issues. Police Officers who are unable to return to work as a result of being injured whilst protecting the community, should not be subject to any ‘stepdown’ provisions. The Government will ensure that they will continue to receive 100 per cent of their pay while they are on workers’ compensation. Funding of $150 000 per annum over the next four years has been allocated for this initiative.
The Government has committed $36.8 million over the Budget and the Forward Estimates to recruit at least 125 more Police Officers.
The majority of these new Police Officers will be deployed to frontline duties at first‑response main Police Stations, and in regional and rural stations around the State to complement existing establishment levels. The new, higher level of police numbers in Tasmania will also allow for a major reset of regional, rural and remote policing, particularly in the areas of relief for all forms of leave and training courses.
This commitment will be informed by the Workforce Planning Review.
The Government will provide additional funding of $165 000 in 2020‑21 and $75 000 in 2021‑22 to further support a full time Special Operations Group. This funding will provide capability for enhanced rapid response to terrorism incidents and other emergencies, and to support high‑risk police operations. Having an enhanced specialist ability will ensure a timely and appropriate response to high‑risk incidents and is an important part of the Government’s plan to keep Tasmanians safe.
This commitment will be informed by the Workforce Planning Review.
The Government will invest a total of $5 million in 2018‑19 and 2019‑20 on a purpose built Longford Police Station that has the capacity, space and security requirements to respond to the community’s needs.
The population of Longford and surrounding areas is growing and having a secure, well‑equipped and modern station is important for the local community. The new station will provide contemporary accommodation from which to conduct policing activities.
The Government has committed $5 million to build the contemporary station to provide an enhanced police presence in the New Norfolk area. This investment will ensure that the new station has the capacity, space and security requirements to respond to the community’s needs.
Permanent funding of $500 000 per annum commencing in 2018‑19 has been allocated to the Department of Premier and Cabinet to support additional work on flood policy. This further supports the ongoing implementation of the Government’s response to the Blake Review into the Floods of June‑July 2016.
This funding will also be accessed by the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.
Remote Area Teams
The Government will develop, sustain and grow Remote Area Teams capacity from suitable volunteer fire fighters around the State. Selected volunteers will undergo helicopter insertion training and fire fighting skills in this specialised field. The training will be undertaken by the Tasmania Fire Service and will fill the identified need for more firefighters with these skills. This will provide an exciting career path for those volunteers with good physical fitness levels. This initiative is funded by an allocation of $535 000 over the next four years.
The Government has allocated $12 million over the next four years to build a new Emergency Services Hub at Sorell. This brand new greenfields facility will house emergency personnel in a modern and well‑equipped hub. The hub will be particularly important in helping to build a positive working relationship between emergency personnel and the community they serve.
The South East region and Sorell in particular is one of Tasmania’s fastest growing areas in the state. This facility will provide accommodation for the SES, who at present do not have a volunteer presence in Sorell. It will also accommodate the increased number of Police resulting from the Government’s First‑Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative.
The Government will provide the State Fire Commission with $2 million over the four years to allow all Volunteer Units from the Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service to apply for upgrades to their equipment.
The Volunteer Units, in association with the TFS and SES, will determine what equipment will be purchased with these funds.
Outputs of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management are provided under the following Output Groups:
· Output Group 1 ‑ Public Safety;
· Output Group 2 ‑ Crime;
· Output Group 3 ‑ Traffic Policing; and
· Output Group 4 ‑ Emergency Management.
Table 8.2 provides an Output Group Expense Summary for the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.
Table 8.2: Output Group Expense Summary1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Agency estimates do not include the indexation impact of any variations to agency expenditure that have been made since the finalisation of the Revised Estimates Report 2017-18 (including December Quarterly Report). For further information see chapter 1 of this Budget Paper.
2. The increases in Support to the Community and Investigation of Crime primarily reflect the Government’s First Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative.
3. The decrease in State Emergency Services reflects the cessation of funding provided to assist in the transition of the State Emergency Service to the Tasmania Fire Service.
4. The profile of funding for the Capital Investment Program varies significantly from year to year due to the cash flow requirements of specific capital projects. Please note that Table 8.2 only includes expenses, therefore does not include asset purchases. The $3.8 million in 2017‑18 reflects one‑off funding for Aerial Fire Appliances that has been provided to the State Fire Commission. Refer to Table 8.7 for further information on capital projects.
This Output relates to personal safety in the community, maintaining public order and the provision of safety initiatives that assist in developing safe, secure and resilient communities. Through the provision of high‑visibility targeted patrols and the establishment of partnerships with community organisations, the Department aims to ensure that the public has confidence and satisfaction in the services provided.
Services provided under this Output Group and Output Group 2 include the Department’s response to the important issue of family violence and includes significant support provided to a number of other Departments in the provision of their important services.
Table 8.3: Performance Information ‑ Output Group 1
|
|
Unit of |
2015‑16 |
2016‑17 |
2017‑18 |
2018‑19 |
|
Performance Measure |
Measure |
Actual |
Actual |
Target |
Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Satisfaction with police services |
% |
79 |
79 |
≥ nat av |
≥ nat av |
|
Satisfaction with police in dealing with public order problems |
% |
73 |
72 |
≥ nat av |
≥ nat av |
|
Assaults in public places1 |
Number |
828 |
807 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Total Public Order incidents1 |
Number |
16 511 |
16 002 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Cost of policing per capita2 |
Dollars |
415 |
421 |
na |
na |
|
Perceptions of safety in public places ‑ during the day |
% |
94 |
94 |
≥ nat av |
≥ nat av |
|
Perceptions of safety in public places ‑ during the night |
% |
59 |
57 |
≥ nat av |
≥ nat av |
|
Perceptions of safety at home ‑ alone during the night |
% |
88 |
91 |
≥ nat av |
≥ nat av |
|
Fuel reduction burns ‑ reserved land3,4 |
Number |
33 |
148 |
59 |
59 |
|
Fuel reduction burns - other land3,5 |
Number |
48 |
62 |
65 |
65 |
|
Area covered by fuel reduction burns: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserved land3,4 |
Hectares |
3 885 |
14 100 |
24 300 |
24 300 |
|
Other land3,5 |
Hectares |
1 998 |
3 800 |
32 400 |
32 400 |
|
Family violence incident reports1 |
Number |
3 223 |
3 098 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Offences against the person1 |
Number |
4 100 |
4 270 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Offences against the person clearance rate1 |
% |
94 |
93 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
1. Data for 2015‑16 has been adjusted to reflect final reported figures in the Department’s 2016‑17 Annual Report.
2. The 2016‑17 actual was released in January 2018 as part of the Report on Government Services 2018 published by the Productivity Commission.
3. Actual results for 2016‑17 have been corrected from those published as part of the 2016‑17 State Budget.
4. The performance measures ‘Fuel reduction burns ‑ reserved land’ and ‘Area covered by fuel reduction burns - reserved land’ are measures associated with funding transferred in the 2016‑17 Budget from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Reserved land burns are conducted by DPIPWE as the lead agency and may involve multiple tenures including private land.
5. The performance measure ‘Fuel reduction burns ‑ other land’ and ‘Area covered by fuel reduction burns - Other land’ ensure that Fuel reduction burn reporting is inclusive of all land types other than reserved land. These burns can be undertaken by a number of entities including Tasmanian Fire Service, local government, Sustainable Timbers Tasmania and private land management companies. This includes multiple tenure burning, including private land.
This Output relates to the detection and apprehension of offenders, including investigation of serious and organised crime. Through crime detection strategies and legislative reform, the Department aims to reduce the number of offences committed against both people and property.
This Output focuses on the protection and security of poppy crops, the prevention of poppy crop interferences and the targeting of offenders through investigative techniques. The involvement of industry groups in the protection and security of poppies contributes to the reduction in the number of poppy diversions onto the illicit market.
This Output relates to marine safety and the protection of State and Australian Government marine resources, through the provision of marine compliance and enforcement activities. By using a combination of overt and covert sea patrols, and in‑port, at sea and fish processor inspections, the Department is able to target offenders, facilitate the protection and security of marine resources in both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors and ensure the safety of vessel operators.
This Output relates to policing services that support the judicial system, such as, the prosecution of offenders; provision of diversionary programs; bail/warrant processing; victim support services and investigation; and clerical and investigation services on behalf of the coroner. In addition, the Department plays a lead role in the reduction and management of family violence in Tasmania.
Table 8.4: Performance Information ‑ Output Group 2
|
|
Unit of |
2015‑16 |
2016‑17 |
2017‑18 |
2018‑19 |
|
Performance Measure |
Measure |
Actual |
Actual |
Target |
Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investigation of Crime |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Offences1 |
Number |
24 964 |
27 318 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Total Offences clearance rate |
% |
48 |
47 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
Total Serious Crime1 |
Number |
494 |
550 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
Serious Crime clearance rate1 |
% |
82 |
84 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
Offences against property1 |
Number |
19 793 |
21 908 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
Table 8.4: Performance Information ‑ Output Group 2 (continued)
|
|
Unit of |
2015‑16 |
2016‑17 |
2017‑18 |
2018‑19 |
|
Performance Measure |
Measure |
Actual |
Actual |
Target |
Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investigation of Crime |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offences against property clearance rate |
% |
38 |
37 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
Serious drug offenders charged |
Number |
412 |
489 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poppy Security |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of poppy crop interferences per 1 000 hectares sown |
Number |
0.67 |
2.91 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fisheries Security |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total marine offenders detected |
Number |
1 277 |
1 412 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support to Judicial Services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
State charges prosecuted1 |
Number |
46 676 |
50 690 |
≥3 yr av |
≥3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
1. Data for 2015‑16 has been adjusted to reflect final reported figures in the Department’s 2016‑17 Annual Report.
This Output relates to the improvement of driver behaviour, traffic law compliance and minimising road trauma. Through the provision of high visibility patrols on highways and arterial roads, targeting high risk driver behaviour and attendance/investigation of vehicle crashes, the Department aims to improve road safety, reduce the incidence of inattentive driving and diminish the use of alcohol/drugs whilst driving.
Table 8.5: Performance Information ‑ Output Group 3
|
|
Unit of |
2015‑16 |
2016‑17 |
2017‑18 |
2018‑19 |
|
Performance Measure |
Measure |
Actual |
Actual |
Target |
Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of high risk traffic offenders1 |
Number |
28 224 |
30 547 |
26 000 |
26 000 |
|
Speeding offences: Police Issued Infringements1 |
Number |
42 670 |
44 420 |
42 000 |
42 000 |
|
Random Breath Tests conducted |
Number |
469 610 |
505 445 |
440 000 |
440 000 |
|
Number of drink driving offenders1 |
Number |
2 329 |
2 187 |
2 550 |
2 550 |
|
Oral Fluid Tests conducted2 |
Number |
3 738 |
3 726 |
3 250 |
3 250 |
|
Number of drug driving offenders1 |
Number |
2 181 |
2 055 |
1 700 |
1 700 |
|
Fatal and Serious injury crashes1 |
Number |
280 |
265 |
≤3 yr av |
≤3 yr av |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
1. Data for 2015‑16 has been adjusted to reflect final reported figures in the Department’s 2016‑17 Annual Report.
2. Additional Oral Fluid Tests are conducted when funding is available.
This Output involves the provision of emergency services in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2006 and the Tasmanian Emergency Management Plan. Activities undertaken as part of this Output include emergency risk management and disaster mitigation, preparedness and responsiveness to emergency events, and the development and training of volunteers.
Management arrangements were revised in 2014‑15, and the State Emergency Service Director now reports through the Chief Fire Officer of the Tasmania Fire Service. The State Emergency Service is incorporated within chapter 25 of this Budget Paper.
This Output relates to the provision of whole‑of‑government policies relating to counter terrorism and terrorist threats and the provision of search and rescue operations. Activities included under the Output consist of involvement in multi‑jurisdictional exercises, supporting national counter terrorism arrangements and the provision of a combination of land, sea and air search and rescue operations.
Table 8.6: Performance Information ‑ Output Group 4
|
|
Unit of |
2015‑16 |
2016‑17 |
2017‑18 |
2018‑19 |
|
Performance Measure |
Measure |
Actual |
Actual |
Target |
Target |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Security and Rescue Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Search and Rescue Operations |
Number |
262 |
345 |
na |
na |
|
Number of exercises managed |
Number |
25 |
31 |
≥prev yr |
≥prev yr |
|
Total Helicopter Hours1 |
Hours |
623 |
748 |
na |
na |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
1. The performance measure ‘Total Helicopter Hours’ reflects the hours the helicopter was utilised for all search and rescue, aero‑medical retrievals, operations and other related training and exercises.
Table 8.7 provides financial information for the Department’s Capital Investment Program. More information on the CIP is provided in chapter 6 of The Budget Budget Paper No 1.
Table 8.7: Capital Investment Program
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes:
1. Further information on this capital project is included at Table 8.1 Key Deliverables Statement.
2. Recurrent funding of $1.2 million and capital funding of $11.9 million has been provided for Project Unify in Finance‑General.
3. Funding in the Forward Estimates has been provided under the previous Large Vessel Replacement Program. Funding for replacement of the PV Van Diemen has been allocated for the 2022‑23 financial year.
Table 8.8: Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
Notes:
1. The increase in Appropriation revenue ‑ recurrent and Employee benefits in 2018‑19 and across the Forward Estimates period primarily reflects the Government’s First Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative.
2. The movements in Appropriation revenue ‑ works & services reflects funding for the Capital Investment Program that varies significantly from year to year due to the cash flow requirements of specific capital projects. Refer to Table 8.7 for further information on capital projects.
3. The decrease in Other revenue primarily reflects the cessation of Australian Government National Partnership Program initiatives, including; Women’s Safety Package ‑ Technology Trials, National Bushfire Mitigation Program and Disaster Resilience.
4. The decrease in Grants and subsidies reflects; one‑off funding for Aerial Fire Appliances in 2017‑18 and cessation of Australian Government National Partnership Program initiatives.
5. The variations in Borrowing costs reflect the interest on loans under the Crackdown on Shoplifting election commitment. For further information refer to Table 8.1 Key Deliverables.
Table 8.9: Statement of Comprehensive Income ‑ Administered
|
Note:
1. The decrease in Fees and fines revenue and Transfers to the Consolidated Fund in 2018‑19 reflects the firearms licence renewal cycle, which occurs every three and five years.
Table 8.10: Revenue from Appropriation by Output
|
Notes:
1. The increases in Support to the Community and Investigation in Crime primarily reflect the Government’s First Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative.
2. The decrease in State Emergency Services in 2018‑19 reflects the cessation of funding provided to assist in the transition of the State Emergency Service to the Tasmania Fire Service.
3. The profile of funding for the Capital Investment Program varies significantly from year to year due to the cash flow requirements of specific capital projects. The 2017‑18 allocation included one‑off funding of $3.8 million for Aerial Fire Appliances that was provided to the State Fire Commission. Refer to Table 8.7 for further information on capital projects.
Table 8.11: Administered Revenue
|
|
Note:
1. The decrease in Fines reflects the firearms licence renewal cycle, which occurs every three and five years.
Table 8.12: Administered Expenses
|
Note:
1. The decrease in Transfer to the Consolidated Fund reflects the firearms licence renewal cycle, which occurs every three and five years.
Table 8.13: Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June
|
Note:
1. The variation in these items in 2019 reflects a more accurate estimate based on the 30 June 2017 outcome.
Table 8.14: Statement of Cash Flows
|
Notes:
1. The increase in Appropriation receipts ‑ recurrent and Employee benefits in 2018‑19 and across the Forward Estimates period primarily reflects the Government’s First Class, Next Generation Police Service initiative.
2. The variations in Appropriation receipts ‑ capital reflects funding for the Capital Investment Program that varies significantly from year to year due to the cash flow requirements of specific capital projects. Refer to Table 8.7 for further information on capital projects.
3. The decrease in Grants and subsidies primarily reflects the cessation of Australian Government National Partnership Program initiatives, including; Women's Safety Package ‑ Technology Trials, National Bushfire Mitigation Programme and Disaster Resilience.
Table 8.15: Statement of Cash Flows ‑ Administered
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Note:
1. The decrease in Fees and fines and movements in Transfers to the Consolidated Fund reflects the firearms licence renewal cycle, which occurs every three and five years.