STATE GOVERNMENT SEEKS SPECIAL POLICE POWERS FOR INDY 2006
Published Monday, 09 October, 2006 at 02:23 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Premier Peter Beattie today announced that the State Government will enact its special event legislation to boost safety at this month’s Gold Coast Indy.
Mr Beattie said the legislation will support police in maintaining a safe and secure environment for the estimated 315,000-plus people expected to attend this year’s event.
“This is the first time that special event legislation has been sought to be activated for the Gold Coast Indy,” Mr Beattie said.
“While last year’s event was trouble-free, in 2003 the event was disrupted when a suspicious device was located in one of the grandstands.
“This was not only a serious safety concern for the thousands of people attending the event, it also caused the cancellation of a support race on the morning of the final day.
“Under the special event legislation, which will take effect from 15-23 October, police will have the power to conduct random spot checks of cars, people and belongings in response to information about specific threats.
“Police will also be able to prevent people from taking items into the venue that may cause injury or disruption to other people, and prevent people from entering the venue without lawful justification.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the precautions were a necessary course of action due to the large crowds expected to attend this year’s event, as well as its international focus.
“Every year Indy attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Gold Coast and keeping tourists and locals safe is a big job for police,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year there were no significant or adverse events at Indy – which police put down to the result of proactive planning.
“This year, police have again put a great deal of planning into managing issues such as traffic, as well as contingency plans for emergency response, counter terrorism, liquor licensing and intelligence management for the 2006 Gold Coast Indy.
“This legislation will further support police by giving them the power to conduct random safety checks and prevent people from entering venues with items that could cause harm to others.”
Ms Spence said the decision to enact the special event legislation was not the result of any significant threat to community safety.
“Rather, it is a sensible a precautionary measure that will give police the powers they need to proactively prevent serious incidents from occurring,” Ms Spence said.
“In light of recent world events, police and our emergency authorities are not prepared to take any chances and this measure is just one part of the risk management plans for the event.”
Mr Beattie said this was the seventh time the special event legislation has been enacted, with previous occasions including 2004 Olympics events and the 2003 Rugby World Cup matches hosted in Brisbane.
He said the Lexmark Indy 300’s on-track action will kick off on Thursday October 19 and continue through until Sunday October 22.
“This annual carnival is a highlight of the Australian social and sporting calendar and showcases Queensland to the world,” Mr Beattie said.
“This year is shaping up to be even bigger and better with a packed program of events on and off the track.”
9 October, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Ministers Office 3239 6218
Mr Beattie said the legislation will support police in maintaining a safe and secure environment for the estimated 315,000-plus people expected to attend this year’s event.
“This is the first time that special event legislation has been sought to be activated for the Gold Coast Indy,” Mr Beattie said.
“While last year’s event was trouble-free, in 2003 the event was disrupted when a suspicious device was located in one of the grandstands.
“This was not only a serious safety concern for the thousands of people attending the event, it also caused the cancellation of a support race on the morning of the final day.
“Under the special event legislation, which will take effect from 15-23 October, police will have the power to conduct random spot checks of cars, people and belongings in response to information about specific threats.
“Police will also be able to prevent people from taking items into the venue that may cause injury or disruption to other people, and prevent people from entering the venue without lawful justification.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the precautions were a necessary course of action due to the large crowds expected to attend this year’s event, as well as its international focus.
“Every year Indy attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Gold Coast and keeping tourists and locals safe is a big job for police,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year there were no significant or adverse events at Indy – which police put down to the result of proactive planning.
“This year, police have again put a great deal of planning into managing issues such as traffic, as well as contingency plans for emergency response, counter terrorism, liquor licensing and intelligence management for the 2006 Gold Coast Indy.
“This legislation will further support police by giving them the power to conduct random safety checks and prevent people from entering venues with items that could cause harm to others.”
Ms Spence said the decision to enact the special event legislation was not the result of any significant threat to community safety.
“Rather, it is a sensible a precautionary measure that will give police the powers they need to proactively prevent serious incidents from occurring,” Ms Spence said.
“In light of recent world events, police and our emergency authorities are not prepared to take any chances and this measure is just one part of the risk management plans for the event.”
Mr Beattie said this was the seventh time the special event legislation has been enacted, with previous occasions including 2004 Olympics events and the 2003 Rugby World Cup matches hosted in Brisbane.
He said the Lexmark Indy 300’s on-track action will kick off on Thursday October 19 and continue through until Sunday October 22.
“This annual carnival is a highlight of the Australian social and sporting calendar and showcases Queensland to the world,” Mr Beattie said.
“This year is shaping up to be even bigger and better with a packed program of events on and off the track.”
9 October, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Ministers Office 3239 6218