WA Budget Estimates: Opposition queries funding for major summer police operation

A major police operation to manage the busy summer period is yet to have funding committed, sparking concerns from the State Opposition that it had been discontinued.

Though the State Government insists no final decision has yet been made, no funding was specified for Operation Heat Shield in May’s State Budget. First launched in 2019, it allows police to have more flexibility to patrol busy areas of the State during summer.

Under questioning from Upper House MPs Michelle Boylan and Nick Goiran, Government minister Matthew Swinbourn said the door was still open for funding to be provided.

“I think you’ve correctly identified that it’s not in the current budget as to how it is funded, that doesn’t mean that it’s come to an end,” he said.

“There will be future decisions by government as to how we fund that, there are other opportunities for the government to fund these programs outside of the budget process, including the mid-year review process.”

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the operation helped police combat heightened crime in summer.

“It has been beneficial to Western Australia Police in helping and supporting our community and keeping people safe,” he testified.

The operation has not been allocated Budget funding in previous years but still gone ahead.

According to former-Police Minister Paul Papalia in December, the 2023-24 operation led to 185 arrests and 238 charges with more than 2000 extra patrol hours recorded across protected entertainment and retail precincts.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Blanch said funding decisions were up to the government but he would always advocate for more funding.

“That is a decision for government to continue to fund Heat Shield and I won’t get ahead of their decision,” he said.

“I ask the government for what I think the police needs, and it’s not a conversation that I’m going to have publicly.”