The Hon. PENNY SHARPE: I direct my question without notice to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. In light of comments in the Parsons review of police resources, recommending centralisation of police resources in regional New South Wales, will the Minister commit to ensuring that no single officer police station in a rural community will be closed?

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: This is an interesting position. It is actually the union movement, through the Police Association, that is advocating for the closing of single unit police stations. The Labor Party has moved away from supporting a proposition that has been put by the Police Association. I would like to hear more from the Hon. Penny Sharpe on that, but I do not want to be seen as debating the question.

The Hon. Mick Veitch: Do it anyway, Mike.

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: No. Both in opposition and in government we have spent a considerable amount of time talking to communities and to police as to how they see the delivery of police resources in New South Wales. But one cannot quickly get over 16 years of pain and neglect—thanks to the former Labor Government—if one is a police officer in New South Wales.

I am so happy that the Hon. Penny Sharpe asked me a question about police stations because the previous Government had a fair bit to do with police stations in New South Wales. In five years Labor closed 65 police stations. Now, all of a sudden, there is this newfound love for what are known as one-man stations—The Greens might not like it, but that is the wording; they cater for one man or one woman. At the end of the day they are called one-manners. They have been a central part of policing in country New South Wales for many years. For the Opposition to suggest that further to its 65 closures it now wants more closures is of real concern. I suspect that the Opposition may well have to explain its position if more stations—one-manners—are closed. Next it will want to close two-man stations. If it wants to get rid of single-unit police, it must want to get rid of the highway patrol as well. It is very alarming.

If members have further questions, I suggest they place them on notice.

Questions without notice concluded.

Pursuant to sessional orders business interrupted to permit a motion to adjourn the House if desired.

The House continued to sit.

Pursuant to sessional orders Government business proceeded with.