New Parliament House staff warnings on North Tce crime wave as landmark widening of police powers launches

New police powers to fix the CBD’s crime crisis take effect today, as politicians and their staff have been issued new rules to stay safe on North Tce.

Staff have been warned about the rising crime crisis throughout the hotspot area. Picture: Riley Walter

Politicians and Parliament House staff have been issued new safety edicts around the hotspot city building as authorities launch unprecedented operations to crush the CBD’s crime crisis.

A new leaked edict warns workers to be conscious of their surroundings, stand in well-lit areas near others, not talk on a mobile phone and send text messages, avoid solo travel or arrange to be met and keep a firm hold on belongings.

As a landmark crackdown on CBD troublemakers launches on Tuesday, parliamentary staff are urged to sit in the rear of a taxi or Uber-share car, book rides by phone, limit wait times at public bus stops, decline stranger fare rides and report offensive or illegal behaviour.

The state’s top legal officer has authorised a landmark widening of police powers to crack down on criminals, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence for the next three months.

Based on extensive police intelligence and crime data, a new “Declared Public Precinct” to restore public safety will expand – from a current Friday and Saturday nights in the West End – to seven days.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher on Friday approved a special zone, to start this week until mid-October, around North Tce, Rundle Mall, Festival Plaza, Riverbank and West End during peak trouble times.

Parliament House is considered located at the epicentre of the CBD’s crime crisis. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

The new guidelines, published last Friday with a dozen tips and “important reminders”, is part of efforts from parliament’s bosses to improve staff welfare, and “stand against harassment”, amid mounting concern at city crime.

“Recently, you may have come across news or witnessed unwarranted behaviours within the vicinity of Parliament House,” the note to staff and MPs stated.

“We want to remind everyone of the importance of prioritising your safety when arriving at, and leaving, work, particularly along North Tce and the surrounding precinct.

“We want to ensure your safety … and that it’s important to remind you while walking to catch public transport or a taxi after work may seem routine, being vigilant and aware of our surroundings is crucial.”

Staff were warned to be “conscious of your surroundings”, in the leaked advice. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Legislative Council Clerk, Chris Schwarz, said its managers had a duty of care to staff.

“It’s part of the care and concern for our staff to make them aware when they’re leaving the building,” he said.

SA Police’s Operation Paragon is flooding more officers into central Adelaide in a bid to quell rising violent incidents and unruly behaviour while special officer powers to search and ban troublemakers will be widened on Tuesday.

A formal Government Gazette notice, specially published on Monday, authorised an extended “Declared Public Precinct” zone to include some of the city’s most popular areas

To operate over seven days, police will target troubled areas around Parliament House, Elder Park, Festival Plaza, Government House, the West End and Rundle Mall.

Acting Premier Susan Close authorised the landmark widening of police powers – on behalf of Attorney-General Kyam Maher who is away – to crack down on criminals, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence until October.

Police outside Parliament on North Tce. Picture: Brett Hartwig

It will be reviewed, and extended if needed.

Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval, who manages Adelaide operations, said: “Exercise of these authorities will assist (us) in maintaining public order and safety.”

The state government will this week also establish a special western parklands site to support visitors from remote Aboriginal communities.

The nearly $500,000 Edwards Park site, which Department for Human Services workers will staff during the day, will provide cooking facilities, water, power, toilets, Wi-Fi and links to other support services including health.

Human Services Minister Nat Cook said the site would create a culturally safe space for remote visitors.

SA Health has also supported the initiative by establishing a short-term dedicated pod within the existing Inpatient Withdrawal Service at Glenside in order to offer culturally-appropriate alternative alcohol and other drug treatment measures.

The site is expected to be operational by the end of this month and continue until 2024 – or longer if required.