Police to keep Australia Day celebrations safe for all

Police are encouraging members of the public to celebrate Australia Day safely this long weekend and warned revellers against creating mischief.

Acting Police Minister John McVeigh said officers across the state will be targeting anti-social behaviour, proactively patrolling public spaces, foreshore parks and organised events.

“We want all Queenslanders to enjoy Australia Day in a safe environment and not have their celebrations spoiled by those doing the wrong thing,” Mr McVeigh said.

“If you will be consuming alcohol, make sure you’re responsible and plan your transport home.”

Mr McVeigh said the Newman Government is committed to making Queensland a safer place for families all year round, not just on Australia Day.

“We promised at the election to recruit an extra 1,100 police officers over four years and we are already on track to meet that target with about 600 additional officers already on the beat.”

Queensland Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter Barron warned party-goers that police will not tolerate drunkenness or anti-social behaviour.

“Australia Day is a day for families and friends to come together and celebrate our great country,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Barron said.

“It is not about drinking to excess or creating a nuisance in public.”

Police will be out in force patrolling public spaces, licensed premises, roads and waterways over the long weekend.

Tips for a safe Australia Day:

• If you are drinking, don’t let your level of intoxication make you a perpetrator or a victim of crime.
• Stay safe and watch your mates, if you find yourself in a threatening situation – walk away. Remember one punch can kill.
• Make appropriate transport plans, don’t drink and drive and risk your family and friends lives.
• Drive to the appropriate road conditions.
• If you find yourself in a threatening situation or see a crime in progress call triple zero.
• If you observe suspicious behaviour report it to police through Policelink on 131 444.
• If you have information that would assist in solving a crime call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[ENDS] 24 January 2014 

Media Contacts: Nicky Haydon 0427 705 859 or Lea Emery 0417 226 114