21 Apr 2023

Parliament protest: Police Commissioner defends officers' actions

From Morning Report, 7:15 am on 21 April 2023

The Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says he would not have done anything differently in the police handling of the protest and occupation of Parliament grounds last year.

That's despite the Police watchdog's report detailing how many officers were sent to quell the riot on the last day of the occupation without proper protective gear.

Officers themselves described the lack of equipment as "absolutely shambolic", and "foreseeable and avoidable".

Police advance with the assistance of beanbag shotguns

Police advance with the assistance of beanbag shotguns Photo: VNP / Phil Smith

The IPCA says a number of officers were injured as a direct result.

Coster spoke to Corin Dann.