Praise for Commonwealth Games special police powers

A year to the day after Queensland’s biggest ever event the Commonwealth Games continue to deliver for the Gold Coast and Queensland.

We see the Gold Coast securing new, major events, delivering a significant boost to the region’s economy. 

The Games supported more than 30,000 new jobs and facilitated the construction or upgrade of 18 world class facilities through this government’s $320 million infrastructure program.

The Palaszczuk Government also invested in new technology and training, and brought in legislation to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, local residents and visitors to the Gold Coast.

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, said the Games presented a unique security environment, with multiple challenges.

“The Queensland Police Service did a magnificent job, overseeing a massive event and keeping everyone, including our overseas visitors, safe and secure.

“More than 3,700 police officers were deployed to ensure that the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games were the safest and most successful Games ever.

“Part of the strategy was the introduction of new police powers, specifically designed for the Games, to ensure safety and security.

“These laws enabled police to quickly and efficiently search, without warrant or reasonable suspicion, people, vehicles and places in prescribed protective security zones at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

“I am pleased to say that no serious security threats were detected.

“After the Games, an independent review was conducted into the effectiveness of these police powers.

“The review and subsequent report, Operation Sentinel 2018, was undertaken by the University of Queensland Law School.

“The Review team found the powers were “extraordinary” but “fit for purpose” and appropriate for an event of this magnitude.

“The report commends police for their use of accountability measures, such as body-worn cameras.

“And should similar powers be considered for any major events of this nature in the future, this Government will continue to ensure any police powers are used in a manner consistent with protocols,” Minister Ryan said.

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