Police consult community about G20 plans

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has started working with local communities ahead of next year’s G20 meetings being held in Brisbane and Cairns.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the QPS would liaise with businesses in and around the Brisbane and Cairns CBDs about security arrangements and what they could expect during the summit.

“All eyes will be on Brisbane and Cairns during the G20 Leaders Summit and I have every faith the QPS will ensure all delegates, visitors and community members are safe and secure throughout the various events,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The remarkable skills of our police officers will be on show to the world as they provide security for global leaders and delegates, as will the offerings of our tourism and business sectors.”

Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Ross Barnett said the QPS would work with the community, partner agencies and other groups to ensure Brisbane and Cairns were highlighted on the world stage during these events.

“Our partner agencies have an important role in the delivery of the G20 events in Queensland.  For police, our role is to deliver security operations to ensure safe, secure, dignified and effective G20 events,” Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

“The G20 Leaders’ Summit will be the largest peace-time security operation Australia has ever seen and the QPS has established the G20 Group to plan and execute the security arrangements around event and accommodation venues as well as motorcade routes.

“It is not our intention to lock down Brisbane or Cairns, however some businesses and residents in and around restricted areas can expect impacts in the lead-up to and during the G20 events.  This impact will be determined by the level of threat to the community that exists in the lead-up to the events.”

Assistant Commissioner Katarina Carroll from the G20 Group said officers were already engaging with members of the community.

“As a part of our community engagement and consultation, the QPS is establishing an External Engagement Team that will interact with all levels of the community to ensure everyone is aware of security impacts they may face,” Assistant Commissioner Carroll said.

“The team will communicate key messages to businesses, residents, community groups and Issue Motivated Groups as our plans develop. 

“Officers will soon start door-knocking and holding meetings to engage with the Brisbane and Cairns communities, and there is a section on the QPS website where people who think they may be affected by G20 security operations can find information and send enquiries to the External Engagement Team.

“People should check the website regularly to keep up-to-date with information from the QPS.”

The G20 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 15 and 16 November 2014.

To access the G20 website, visit www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/g20/.

[ENDS] 23 July 2013

Media Contact: Lea Emery 0417 226 114