Queenslanders feel safer thanks to tougher laws

Published Monday, 04 August, 2014 at 10:52 AM

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

The vast majority of Queenslanders approve of the Queensland Government’s tough measures against criminal gangs and believe the measures are making communities around the state safer.

Minister for Police Jack Dempsey revealed that a survey, commissioned by the Queensland Government’s Strategic Monitoring Team, shows growing support for the Government’s crackdown on criminal gangs.

“This government has always said that criminal gangs are not welcome in Queensland and our tough laws are part of our strong plan for a brighter and safer future for families, tourists and all residents,” Minister Dempsey said.

“A resounding 89 per cent of people on the Gold Coast and 78 per cent of people across the State want the Government’s tough measures against criminal gangs retained.

“The percentage of Queenslanders who feel safer in the community has risen from 21.3 per cent to 32.3 per cent since the introduction of these tough new laws.”

The report also showed:

  • The percentage of Queenslanders indicating strong or very strong support of all measures taken by the Government against criminal gangs rose from 47.7% to 57.1%.
  • The percentage of Queenslanders indicating they were confident or very confident in the Queensland Government to effectively manage the threat of criminal gangs rose from 36.9% to 46.5%.
  • The percentage of Queenslanders indicating strong or very strong support for criminal gang club houses being declared illegal rose from 47.4% to 58.2%.
  • The percentage of Queenslanders providing strong or very strong support for the introduction of laws to prohibit criminal gang members from owning certain types of businesses (such as tattoo parlours, liquor outlets and pawnbrokers) rose from 46.3% to 53%.
  • The percentage of Queenslanders providing strong or very strong support for additional law enforcement measures rose from 57.4% to 64.6%.
  • The percentage of Queenslanders concerned or very concerned about organised crime by criminal gangs decreased from 37.8% to 31.1%.

The survey was conducted during June 2014 and compares community reaction against a similar survey conducted in December 2013.

[ENDS] 4 August 2014

Media Contacts: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821