14 September 2001 Media Statement

Addressing National's Police Property Neglect

The Police Minister, George Hawkins, said today that the independent report on Auckland police property is part of a nationwide audit of Police property.

The nationwide audit will provide police with an accurate picture of their current resources and help to create a priority list for the spending of $60 million over the next five years.

"There is money available to do necessary work, but first we have to identify problems and then address them in priority order," said Mr Hawkins.

Mr Hawkins said the $60 million committed by this government in the last Budget, will be spent on refurbishing and replacing police stations in order of need.

"It is great news for police throughout the country that we will be spending around $12 million per year for essential work over the next five years.

"In contrast, the National government let police buildings fall into disrepair to pay for INCIS. Between 1996 and 1999, on average, they spent less than one million dollars a year on capital works, on property assets valued in excess of $300 million.

"For example, in 1996/97, just $600,000 was spent on capital works, against property assets worth $333 million dollars.

"Spending levels were far too low. Buildings were neglected but, luckily, this government is prepared to spend the money to clean up the mess," said Mr Hawkins.

ENDS

Spending On Police Capital Works: Last Seven Financial Years.

93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01
Capital Expenditure ($m) 25 8 14 0.6 1 1 0.3 11

© Scoop Media