32960 (2025). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Police

32960 (2025). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Police: What are the specific activities and expected outcomes for the $120 million per year "Cost Pressure Funding" allocated in Vote Police 2025/26?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that Police’s Core Policing internal budget for 2024/25 was developed based on existing contractual agreements and committed expenditure to support frontline operations. The one-off Crown funding of $120 million budget bid received in Budget 2024 is being used to address core policing cost pressures identified through the internal budget process. These cost pressures include, but are not limited to, the following areas: • Price increases across key expenditure categories: o ICT-related costs: Software, Desktop as a Service, IT Managed Services, Infrastructure as a Service, Network and Communications o Contracted services: Forensic services (ESR), Equipment and Clothing contracts, Ammunition, Dog-related expenses o Property costs: Leased buildings, training ranges, repairs and maintenance, energy, cleaning contracts, and rates o Fleet-related costs: Leased aircraft and vehicles (e.g. Eagle helicopters), fuel, repairs and maintenance, registration/RUC, and fleet management services o Community partnerships and professional services: Legal, audits, insurance, and other specialist services o Travel: Domestic and international operational travel • Volume increases required to maintain operations in response to growing public demand • New Legislation introduced from the governments • Increased costs due to constabulary and employee contractual obligations for non-Crown funded areas (e.g. union agreements).