Police Minister Michael Ferguson has no right to say serious understaffing and health concerns within the Tasmanian police force are 'operational'.
Shadow Police Minister, Shane Broad, said the Minister was again trying to avoid responsibility.
"It seems when things get tough, Minister Ferguson washes his hands of the problem by claiming the matters are 'operational' - we've seen this with the health crisis and now with these serious concerns facing Tasmanian police officers," Dr Broad said.
"The fact is, police officers are under extreme pressure and face significant fatigue due to understaffing, long shifts and doing non-core duties and the Minister is doing nothing about it.
"Six years ago, the Liberal Government promised to help resolve some of these issues by removing police from courts, but still today officers spend hours transferring prisoners and providing security in courts when they should be out catching criminals.
"Tasmania's crime rates continue to spiral and yet the Police Minister Michael Ferguson seems content to just sit back and watch it happen.
"The Liberals 'tough on crime' stance is purely talk and it has done nothing to address serious issues like spiralling gun crime in Launceston."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
