Police Unite against Alcohol Fuelled Violence

Published Thursday, 17 April, 2014 at 01:00 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Queensland revellers will experience the benefits of safer party precincts this weekend, following the launch of a joint policing effort to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart said Operation Unite would involve police from every state and territory – along with officers from New Zealand – reflecting a new direction in the way the community is approaching the scourge of alcohol-fuelled violence.

“The Government is committed to ensuring Queensland is the safest place to live and enjoy a night out, in line with our Safe Night Out strategy.” Mr Dempsey said.

“Unlike the former Labor Government, we are providing additional resources for frontline officers, and delivering better planning for our communities, which includes planning for safer night spots.

“Operation Unite will focus on alcohol misuse, violence and anti-social behaviour right across Queensland.

“The operation will involve plain clothes, general duties, and mounted police as well as dog squad officers from across Queensland, which is not only a great state, but also a safe state.

“The combined police services from across Australia will be working together to make every Australian’s night out that little bit safer.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said the operation is a joint initiative of Police Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand.

“We are taking a united front to address alcohol related violence because we have ‘had enough’ of dealing with alcohol related violence in public places. It has got to change,” Commissioner Ian Stewart said.

“We should be aware of our behaviour and that of our mates and not allow excessive drinking to be used as an excuse for engaging in violence.

“The Queensland Police Service will be working proactively with our national partner agencies throughout the coming four nights as part of Operation Unite.”

[ENDS] 17 April 2014                                               

Media Contact: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703