Queensland Police Service celebrates 150 years

The Queensland Police Service will officially launch celebrations to mark its 150 year history with a parade and ceremony in King George Square this afternoon.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey said the organisation had become one of the most professional and respected police services in the world and was central to the Newman Government’s plan for Queensland.

“The Queensland Police Service has served the same mission for the past 150 years – to protect the lives and property of Queenslanders,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The men and women in blue have an incredibly difficult role to perform and on behalf of all Queenslanders I thank them for their commitment to serve and protect.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and we are delivering on that promise where Labor failed, through putting more police on the streets.

“The Newman Government is committed to making Queensland one of the safest places to raise a family and I am confident our police officers will continue their strong tradition of keeping our communities safe.”

As part of the ceremony Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland will present a commissioned banner to Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, in recognition of the Service’s proud history maintaining law and order.

Commissioner Stewart said he was honoured to acknowledge the fine work the state’s police and staff members had achieved over the past 150 years.

“Our 15,000 officers and staff provide policing services to more than 4.5 million people, across an area of 1.8 million square kilometres,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“I am immensely honoured to reflect on our unique history and acknowledge the fine work of our members over the past 150 years.”

The Queensland Police Service will also be presented with the keys to Brisbane by the Right Honourable, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Graham Quirk.

The QPS will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary with a range of events planned throughout 2014.

[ENDS] 28 February 2014

Media Contacts: Andrew Blow 0408 912 821