OFF THE WIRE
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/wa-police-union-urges-burqa-law-20110627-1gmzp.html
WA police union urges burqa law
June 27, 2011 - AAP
Western Australia's police union is pushing for a law change to require people to remove burqas, motorcycle helmets and other head coverings when they are being questioned by officers.
Union president Russell Armstrong said on Monday there was a "large hole" in current legislation with police unable to demand the removal of head gear.
"We support new legislation to protect our police officers," he told reporters at the union's annual conference in Perth.
Mr Armstrong said the union was urging a law change and police commissioner Karl O'Callaghan had been "very supportive" of such a move.
"We certainly appreciate the multicultural sensitivity of this but you also have to be aware that our police officers have a job to do," Mr Armstrong said.
He said officers needed to be sure they had identified the right person if charges were to be laid or infringement notices given.
"We cannot send an innocent person to court or give somebody an infringement who doesn't exist."
WA Opposition Leader Eric Ripper said he did not think it was an issue at present and Labor defended the right of people to wear their cultural dress.
"What I would support is discussions between police and Islamic leaders before we go to legislation."
