WA:WA police minister regrets comments

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
WA:WA police minister regrets comments

PERTH, April 19 AAP - West Australian Police Minister Rob Johnson regrets saying he
would give "a tent and a cushion" to homeless people moved out of central Perth during
the commonwealth summit in October.

He says the comments, made in state parliament on April 7, were prompted by anger against
the opposition during drawn-out debate over legislation for the summit.

Labor MP Bill Johnston had asked what arrangements were in place for homeless people
when they were moved out of the CBD during the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting (CHOGM).

Mr Johnson replied: "Well, they would have to sleep somewhere else for the night, won't
they? I'll give them a tent and a cushion - what a stupid question."

He later said to Mr Johnston: "Where do you live? We'll send them round to your house
if you're really concerned."

The minister's comments prompted the opposition to accuse him of being arrogant and uncaring.

Mr Johnson told ABC Radio on Tuesday that the opposition had been wasting parliament's
time, trying to score political points and needling him after he had explained homeless
people would be looked after.

"I had a gutful quite frankly and yes, obviously I wish I'd never made those comments.

"But they weren't directed at the people who are homeless.

"They were directed at the members of the opposition who were just there trying to
score political points.

"Do I regret them? Yes of course I do," Mr Johnson said.

The minister said that for the past 25 to 30 years he had helped homeless people and
others who suffered hardship.

"I will not take the criticism that I'm a heartless person because I am certainly not.

"Anbody who knows me knows that I'm the complete opposite to that," Mr Johnson said.

In parliament last week, Premier Colin Barnett said Mr Johnson's "tent and cushion"

comments were regrettable but were made out of frustration during the heat of debate.

He said he did not anticipate that CHOGM would have a significant impact on homeless
people in Perth.

"But if it does, those people will be treated with respect and found accommodation,"

the premier said.

AAP ldj/jnb

KEYWORD: HOMELESS

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