thanks and congratulations

I was highly entertained by the discussion on crime and the newly introduced DNA data matching program being streamlined across the nation during Question time on September 12. To me, rather than the Question and Answer process I expected from these sittings, Question Time continues to be a game of pass the parcel until your side gets a chance to advertise how wonderful its policies are, how all its work benefits others and apparently every Senator, as long as they are on your side, should be congratulated. I’d say there were more ‘I must give thanks’ and ‘the Senator should be acknowledged’’s than actual mentions of policy.

On a less cynical note this chapter was a relatively good example of Question Time being an opportunity to discuss and explain new policy or industry programs and re-iterate their benefits across a spectrum of departments. Whilst fairly biased (Senator Johnston, Parry and Ellison are all Liberal representatives) this chapter demonstrated how Question time is a good resource for the Senate as a whole, but more importantly as a means of keeping the public informed on government activity.

Senator Johnston (Minister for Justice and Customs) outlined the Commonwealths recently nationalized DNA matching program, CrimTac that allows DNA data to be collected across all states and compared, ensuring no matter where a crime is committed or perpetrator situated they can be identified and charged across state and territorial boundaries. In the first two weeks of operation 1, 900 matches were made, (a figure Johnston claimed as a personal victory rather than the combined efforts of state forces and law enforcement agencies actually matching the data)
Self aggrandisement aside, Johnston addressed an issue of wide spread concern. The program is mutually beneficial for both the public, law enforcement agents Australia wide and Parry, Johnston and Ellison will no doubt receive a ‘well earned’ pat on the back, but more importantly this was the first topic of discussion in the questions times observed so far that I actually found a clear and constructive discussion was made and effective policy explained for the public to understand. Congratulations guys, job well done