Strong Plan delivers brighter future for police

Frontline services will be improved, stations upgraded and resources rolled out to the Queensland Police Service as part of the Newman Government’s strong plan for a brighter future.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the 2014-15 State Budget delivered increases for frontline services such as policing without the need to introduce new taxes or cut services.

“The Budget outlines the Government’s plan to make the Strongest and Smartest Choice to reduce debt and secure our finances so we will be able to invest in the future,” Mr Nicholls said.  

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Government was committed to keeping Queenslanders safe and the Budget delivered $2 billion for policing.

“Since the Newman Government’s election we have delivered 750 extra police as part of our commitment of 1,100 additional officers over four years,” Mr Dempsey said.

“As part of the 2014-15 Budget, we are providing $109.4 million for these additional officers and the recruitment of a further 267 additional officers who will provide safer streets, and better services for communities from the Cape to Coolangatta.

“Unlike Labor, we have a plan to support frontline police with the equipment they need, and we have allocated $6 million in 2014-15 to the operation of two police helicopters in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

“Two dedicated Queensland Police Service helicopters for the Gold Coast and Brisbane was part of our $18 million safer streets commitment at the election, on which we’re delivering.

“The Budget also includes $37.9 million for new police vehicles and over $22 million to renew Queensland Police Service operation equipment, communications centres and mobile policing facilities.

“There is also almost $110 million for capital works, information technology and other essential equipment over the next financial year.”

Minister Dempsey said other provisions within the 2014-15 budget included:

• $15.7 million for information and technology upgrades and improvements including mobile services, the Public Safety Network and renewed communications equipment
• $8.1 million to commence relocation of the Coolum Police Station, and upgrades to the Forensic Service facility in Brisbane, and Nanango and Kingaroy police stations
• $4.9 million to deliver upgraded police facilities at Thursday Island, Laidley and Chinchilla police stations; and the Brisbane City and Redland Bay Water Police.
• $3.1 million to deliver police catamarans for Cairns, Whitsundays and Townsville
• $1 million for Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers as part of the Government’s four year election commitment
• $0.92 million towards the operations of two dedicated Rapid Action Policing hubs on the Gold Coast and Townsville

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the record funding was part of the Government’s strong plan for the future of police, fire and emergency services.

“We’re making significant progress on restoring the state’s finances, growing our four pillar economy and revitalising frontline services,” Mr Nicholls said.

“But to sustain this we must reduce debt so we can keep building on our strong plan for a brighter future.”

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media Contacts: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703 or Andrew Kos 0408 912 821