Keeping Queenslanders safe key Budget focus

The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe was on display in its first Budget handed down by Treasurer Curtis Pitt today.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jo-Ann Miller said the Government would invest more than $2 billion in public safety, with funding for additional police and police vehicles and new equipment for fire and emergency services.

“This Budget delivers on our election commitment to put the safety of Queenslanders first,” Mrs Miller said.

“We’ve committed $28 million to deliver 266 new police over the next year.

“But we know it’s not just about more police on the beat. Unlike the LNP, we’re ensuring that our police are properly resourced to do their jobs.

“There will be close to 1,000 new and replacement police vehicles hitting the road as part of our commitment to ensuring officers have access to the resources they need.”

Mrs Miller said the Government was providing an extra $20 million over four years for police to tackle organised crime, alcohol-fuelled violence and the drug, ice.

“Ice is an absolute curse on our society. I have spoken to families from right across Queensland whose lives have been ripped apart by this terrible drug,” Minister Miller said.

“That’s why we’re committing extra funds to help boost police capacity to track down and take action against people who are manufacturing and peddling such a dangerous drug.

“This new funding will also assist the police to continue taking action against outlaw motorcycle gangs across the state.”

Mrs Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was also investing in officer safety with more than $6 million over three years for the roll out of body-worn video cameras.

“Under the LNP, many police were left with no choice but to buy their own body-worn cameras for their own peace of mind,” Mrs Miller said.

“We are committed to funding the rollout of body-worn cameras for our frontline officers. The Queensland Police Service is currently testing a number of different cameras and considering options on data storage.”

Mrs Miller said the Government would also invest heavily in new and upgraded fire stations, new operational equipment for firefighters and new fire appliances.

“The sad reality is that the LNP neglected our hard-working firies for three years. They were demonised, had their funding cut and the number of new firefighters being trained plummeted,” Mrs Miller said.

“But today’s Budget is not just about addressing the dismal failures of the LNP – it’s about recognising the hard work of our fire and emergency services workers and providing them with the facilities and equipment they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”

Mrs Miller said around $65 million had been earmarked for new and upgraded fire and emergency services facilities and equipment.

“We’re investing $14.6 million on new and upgraded fire stations including $4 million each for new stations in Bundaberg and Petrie, $600,000 for a new station at Dayboro and $250,000 for a new station in Gordonvale,” Mrs Miller said.

“We’ve set aside $1.9 million for upgrading the Bundamba station, $1.6 million for upgrading the Burleigh station and $600,000 for an upgrade to the Roma station.

“We will also deliver $27.5 million for replacement and new urban and rural fire appliances.”

Other Budget expenditure items include:

• $25 million for other property and initiatives including an electronic domestic violence initiative, new surveillance equipment and an upgraded DNA laboratory
• $416,000 over three years to establish Community Policing Boards to give locals a say on crime issues in their community
• $6 million to continue a police helicopter service in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
• $11.2 million for continued operation of the Gold Coast Rapid Action and Patrol group
• $5.5 million for new operational equipment for QFES personnel
• $1.1 million for State Emergency Services capital grants
• $280,000 to reinstate the Fight Fire Fascination program
• $14.8 million over four years for prisoner reintegration services

“This year’s Budget builds on our Government’s commitment to always put the safety and well-being of Queenslanders first,” Mrs Miller said.

“Our police, firies and emergency volunteers do an amazing job to keep our community safe – often at great personal risk. We will always support them in the work they do and this Budget delivers on that promise.”

Media contact: Brent Davidson 0438 696 185