Liberal medical reporting laws a win for Police
Proposals to require health workers to report wounds suspected of being inflicted by weapons will give police and community workersthe much needed information to target SA’s violent crime hotspots.
The changes were put to the Parliament to the Summary Offences (Weapons) Amendment Bill 2010 by the Liberal Partyand create an obligation for medical practitioners and other health professionals to report details of wounds they believe were caused by weapons.
Shadow Attorney-General Stephen Wade said only non-identifying information about patients is required to be reported, ensuring patient-doctor confidentiality is maintained.
“Mandating this reporting will help police, public health authorities and community workers totarget resources more effectively toaddress violent crime and preventing it,” Mr Wade said.
“Police will now have more information on what kinds of violent crimes are taking place and where, and have earlier warning of emerging trends.
“This is about taking an informed approach to tackling crime, rather than the scatter gun approach we’ve seen from Labor.
“By being smart on crime we can reduce injuries andfatalities, reduce violent crime, reduce the costs of crime on society and make our communities safer.
“Even Attorney-General John Rau has admitted that Adelaide’s streets just aren’t safe – this approach will assist in reducing the crime Mr Rau talks about.
“What SA has is a tired Labor Government that has run out of ideas.”