Queensland Government introduces greater powers for police on the fight against serious crime

New laws to equip police with the powers needed to swiftly respond to any public emergencies in Queensland, following a unanimous vote in Parliament tonight, Police Minister Bill Byrne said.

“These new laws are about keeping Queenslanders safe in a forever changing environment where the threat of terrorism and violent extremism is a risk we unfortunately have to face,” he said.

The new laws will:

• Enable police to require any person or organisation to provide information during a declared emergency
• Create an offence for refusing to provide information sought by police or to give false or misleading information with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment to apply.
• Extend the power to search and seize vehicles as they leave or enter a declared area
• Broaden the power for police to seize things from a person during a declared emergency to include things that person may use to cause harm.

“Obviously, we hope police never have to use these powers,” Minister Byrne said.

“But, it’s important to have these safeguards in place, in case they are needed. I know the people of Queensland would expect nothing less.

“But, it’s important to have these safeguards in place, the people of Queensland would expect nothing less.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the new laws were designed to protect Queenslanders by equipping our officers with the additional powers they will need in an environment that continues to see an escalating global terrorism threat.

“While there is no specific threat to Queensland, recent events interstate and overseas show we cannot become complacent,” he said.

“It is important in this security environment that we constantly strive to strengthen the policing response to terrorism.

“The priority for police is community safety. These additional powers will enable police to swiftly respond to any public emergency.”

In September 2014, the Australian Government raised the National Terrorism Threat Level to Probable.

If anyone has any knowledge of suspicious activity or sees anything of concern they can contact Triple Zero in an emergency, Policelink on 131 444 for non-urgent matters or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 for national security issues.

Minister Byrne’s Office:       0478 325 738

Police Media:                     3015 2444