[Greens-Media] (Shoebridge MLC) Water canon a washout

[Colin Hesse]

Media release
 
>From David Shoebridge, Greens MP and spokesperson for Police
 
17 September  2010   - For immediate use
 
 Water canon a washout
 
"In answers given at Budget Estimates Committee hearings at the NSW Parliament today, the Commissioner for Police confirmed that the water canon purchased by NSW Police in 2007 for $700,000 has never once been used in action, said David Shoebridge, Greens MP and spokesperson for Police.
 
"It was purchased in haste for an APEC riot that never happened, and since then it has been staffed, maintained and fuelled for three years, all at a cost to NSW tax-payers.  It is a criminal waste of money"
 
"This really is a white elephant, trunk and all, that has cost the NSW taxpayer dearly, but has never once been squirted in anger.
 
"Despite being idle for more than three years the NSW Government refuses to consider a cost/benefit review of this failed project.
 
"While Australia has a long and proud history of public demonstrations, we have an equally proud history of non-violent public action. 
 
"The Government should admit the water canon was an unnecessary and serious over-reaction to the APEC event.  This is not a society that should be paying for heavy handed riot gear, when our history and experience shows it will never be needed" said Mr Shoebridge.
 
 
Contact: David Shoebridge on 0408 113952 or Colin Hesse (Media officer) on 02 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124