The National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls condemns the South Australian Government’s latest decision to pour nearly $7 million into new weapons for police, in the lead-up to the state budget.
‘This obscene expenditure comes at a time when South Australians are sleeping in cars, ambulances are being ramped and people are being turned away from emergency departments, and dying waiting for care,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘To suggest that new firearms are a priority while women and children struggle to survive is a violent betrayal of this government’s obligations to its people,’ said Tabitha Lean.
Let us be crystal clear: weapons are not tools of de-escalation.
‘The statement from Treasurer and Police Minister Stephen Mullighan that “this important budget funding will ensure SA Police officers on the front line have the best available resources to de-escalate any violent threat or situation” is not only misleading — it is dangerous,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Guns escalate. Guns kill. We have seen this time and time again, especially in interactions between police and Aboriginal people, people in mental health distress, and criminalised communities,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Real de-escalation means investment in housing, in health, in access to food, in culturally safe care. It does not mean upgraded firearms and new vests,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This government claims to be focused on public safety — but whose safety are they talking about? It is not the safety of women fleeing violence who have no refuge. It is not the safety of the children being locked in cells instead of classrooms. It is not the safety of the people struggling to afford a dentist or a GP. It is not the safety of people on the streets,’ said Tabitha Lean.
We are informed that over the past 18 months, SAPOL discharged firearms 808 times, most of which were to destroy animals. ‘If police rarely use guns, how can this $6.8 million be justified when frontline services for people are being cut?’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘No justification offered by the Police Commissioner or Ministers can make sense of this disgraceful prioritisation. At a time of crisis, every cent must go towards building life — not preparing for death,’ said Tabitha Lean.
The National Network demand that the SA government reverse this decision, invest in our communities, and stop fuelling the carceral system with more weapons and more power.
Our lives depend on it.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.
