Boost to fight terrorism and organised crime

Counter-terrorism funding and a $69.9 million boost to target serious and organised crime are among a raft of community safety measures announced in the Palaszczuk Government’s State Budget today.  

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said the Government had committed more than $16.2 million in increased funding over four years for the Queensland Police Service to enhance its response to terrorism.

“With the national threat level remaining ‘probable’ we need to ensure that our police service is well equipped with the resources and ability required to counter violent extremism in our state,” Mr Byrne said.

“That is why I am pleased to announce an extra $16.2 million over four years to enhance the QPS’ counter terrorism capabilities.

“An additional $5 million has also been set aside to develop a business case for a contemporary counter terrorism and community safety centre at the Westgate Police Academy.”

“The funding boost would significantly assist QPS in playing its role in addressing this national issue.”

Minister Byrne said $39.1 million in extra funding had been committed to help police target serious and organised crime in Queensland over the next four years.

“The Palaszczuk Government is resolute in its commitment to target serious and organised crime in all of its forms including drug trafficking, child exploitation, boiler room fraud and outlaw motorcycle gangs,” he said.

“The extra funding will ensure the QPS has the resources to implement the Government’s response to the Queensland Organised Crime Commission of inquiry Report and undertake operational and intelligence-driven activities, legislative reform and education and training.”

Other budget highlights for the portfolio include:

• $3.2 million over two years for QPS and the Crime and Corruption Commission to tackle child exploitation
• $5.1 million in increased funding over four years to support the High Risk Teams delivering an integrated response to domestic and family violence
• $2.2 million over four years to pursue cultural change in support of the Not Now, Not Ever Domestic and Family Violence Report
• $98.9 million to upgrade QPS facilities, information and communication equipment including:

o   $21.6 million for major plant and equipment

o   $3 million to commence construction of the new co-located Road Policing Unit and Special Emergency Response Team facility in Cairns

o   $6.1 million to replace Gordonvale and Caboolture police stations and upgrade Bowen police station

o   $32 million for new and replacement police service vehicles

o   $12 million for information and communication technology initiatives

o   $4.3 million over four years as part of the Camera Detected Offence Program to install additional fixed, point-to-point and mobile digital speed cameras.

o   $5.3 million to maintain both police helicopters to service south-east Queensland

Media Contact: Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738