Wednesday, 4 March 2026

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:40): My question is to the Minister for Police in the other place. Minister, we have seen reports that two Victorian deaths have been linked to Victoria Police’s use of so-called ‘less lethal’ weapons. In July 2023 Mark Smith was shot five times with projectiles and tasered 14 times, an inquest has heard. In November 2023 Steven Woodhouse, aged 29, died after allegedly being shot with beanbag rounds and a taser in Reservoir by the critical incident response team, the same unit that was involved in Mr Smith’s death. A year before both these men died IBAC released a report highly critical of Victoria Police’s use and reporting of lethal force, writing that the community was being put at risk. Minister, will you reduce the use of these so-called less lethal weapons by Victoria Police?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:41): I thank Ms Copsey for that question. I will refer that question to the Minister for Police in the other place for a response in line with the standing orders.

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:41): Thank you, Minister, for passing that on. In supplementary to the Minister for Police, the use of projectiles has been linked to deaths around the world, and critics have argued that their continued increase in the police arsenal has not been matched by commensurate increases in accountability and oversight. Minister, will you establish a police ombudsman in Victoria to provide independent oversight of police?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:41): I thank Ms Copsey for her supplementary question. I will make sure that is passed on to the Minister for Police in the other place for a response in line with the standing orders.