Palaszczuk Government delivers resources to target drug driving

Police will be able to super charge their efforts in removing drug drivers from Queensland roads as part of a series of community safety measures announced in today’s State Budget.

Minister for Police Mark Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government will inject an extra $4.1 million over four years to significantly expand the Queensland Police Service’s roadside drug testing program.

Tackling drug drivers

“Drug driving continues to be a significant issue on Queensland roads with around 11,000 motorists testing positive to driving while affected by drugs last year,” Mr Ryan said.

“We also know a high proportion of those drug drivers were on ice when they were putting themselves, their passengers and all other road users at risk.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to tackling the scourge of ice — a drug that wrecks lives and costs lives.

Attack on ice

“The Premier has released a draft plan, Action on Ice, for community feedback with the aim of attacking the supply and use of crystal methamphetamine.

“The government is also committed to supporting our police in removing drug drivers from our roads and creating a safer environment for everyone using our road networks.

Minister Ryan said the QPS was on track to conduct more than 50,000 roadside drug tests this financial year.

“The funding boost will enable our officers to undertake up to 12,500 extra roadside drug tests each year as part of the Government’s Action on Ice package to confront the harmful effects of Ice in our community,” he said.

An additional $14.8 million over four years has also been allocated for the QPS to enhance road safety strategies including increased police enforcement.

Improving workplaces

Minister Ryan said he was proud to honour the Government’s commitment in funding $66.5 million over three years to improve working conditions for officers as part of the Queensland Police Service Certified Agreement reached last year.

“We respect and value the tough job our men and women in blue do to keep the Queensland community safe,” he said.

“We also recognise the increasing complexity of policing with officers having to deal with counter-terrorism, serious organised crime, domestic and family violence, the prevalence of Ice and the security for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“That is why I’m extremely proud our officers will continue to receive increased wages and better working conditions under the Government’s agreement.”

Other initiatives

Other budget highlights for the police portfolio include:

• $46.7 million over three years for a world-class use of force, weapons and counter-terrorism facility at Wacol;
• an additional 30 Counter Terrorism police and 20 frontline police, for $32.3 million over 4 years.
• additional funding of $8.5 million over four years for additional prosecutorial staff as part of Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Courts;
• $7.4 million in additional funding over five years to continue Project Booyah (early-intervention youth program) in nine locations;
• $7.5 million over four years for policing activities associated with the transition of 17-year-olds to the Youth Justice System;
• $532,000 over two years to provide additional prosecutorial staff to support the Specialist High Risk Youth Court in Townsville.

Media contact: Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738