Published Wednesday, 04 July, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
QUEENSLAND CRIME RATES DECREASE, BETTER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
18 years since the Fitzgerald Report into corruption in the Queensland Police Force was submitted to State Parliament, the latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a marked decrease in crime rates in Queensland.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the 2005/06 Recorded Crime – Victims report shows Queensland has recorded reductions in crime rates in six of the seven major crime categories, and is leading the way, with rates below the National average in all but one category.
“18 years ago we would not have been able to accurately compare crime rates from one year to another, or between states, because before the Fitzgerald Inquiry the preparation and reporting of crime statistics lacked credibility.
“Under the Bjelke-Petersen regime, police were able to conceal important data and fudge the figures to portray police in a better light.
“We now have one of the most transparent systems for recording crime data and reporting annual rates in the world.
“And the results of the latest ABS report show, police are doing an excellent job in fighting crime.
Ms Spence said the report shows Queensland police are leading the way when it comes to reducing crime rates.
“I’ve often said in Queensland we have one of the best police services in the world. This report confirms that to be true,” Ms Spence said.
“The Queensland public can feel confident they are living in one of the safest states in Australia.”
Ms Spence said, according to the report, the rates of Homicide, Attempted Murder and Driving Causing Death have all decreased.
“The rate of homicide and related offences went down by 3.6% between 2005 and 2006,” Ms Spence said.
“This was largely due to a 19.8% decrease in the rate of attempted murders and a 15.9% reduction in the rate of driving causing death offences.”
Ms Spence said the rate of kidnappings and abductions went down dramatically in 2006.
“The rate of kidnappings and abductions in Queensland was less than half the national average, with a 31.9% reduction in the rate last year.”
“The rate of robberies and unlawful entry with intent offences also went down, with Queensland recording the second lowest rate of robbery offences, and a 2.1% decrease in the rate of unlawful entry with intent.
Ms Spence said the report demonstrates the success of crime prevention initiatives.
“According to this report, the rate of motor vehicle theft in Queensland was the lowest in Australia last year, after an 11.5% decrease.
“General theft rates were also down by 6.1%, the second lowest in Australia.
“This is the result of excellent policing combined with community awareness and vigilance.”
Ms Spence said the government will continue to provide adequate resources to the Queensland Police Service to ensure the outstanding results continue.
“We must not become complacent when it comes to fighting crime,” Ms Spence said.
“These results are an indication of what can be achieved by a well resourced police service, and we will continue to provide funding and support to enable police to do their job.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287
Police Minister Judy Spence said the 2005/06 Recorded Crime – Victims report shows Queensland has recorded reductions in crime rates in six of the seven major crime categories, and is leading the way, with rates below the National average in all but one category.
“18 years ago we would not have been able to accurately compare crime rates from one year to another, or between states, because before the Fitzgerald Inquiry the preparation and reporting of crime statistics lacked credibility.
“Under the Bjelke-Petersen regime, police were able to conceal important data and fudge the figures to portray police in a better light.
“We now have one of the most transparent systems for recording crime data and reporting annual rates in the world.
“And the results of the latest ABS report show, police are doing an excellent job in fighting crime.
Ms Spence said the report shows Queensland police are leading the way when it comes to reducing crime rates.
“I’ve often said in Queensland we have one of the best police services in the world. This report confirms that to be true,” Ms Spence said.
“The Queensland public can feel confident they are living in one of the safest states in Australia.”
Ms Spence said, according to the report, the rates of Homicide, Attempted Murder and Driving Causing Death have all decreased.
“The rate of homicide and related offences went down by 3.6% between 2005 and 2006,” Ms Spence said.
“This was largely due to a 19.8% decrease in the rate of attempted murders and a 15.9% reduction in the rate of driving causing death offences.”
Ms Spence said the rate of kidnappings and abductions went down dramatically in 2006.
“The rate of kidnappings and abductions in Queensland was less than half the national average, with a 31.9% reduction in the rate last year.”
“The rate of robberies and unlawful entry with intent offences also went down, with Queensland recording the second lowest rate of robbery offences, and a 2.1% decrease in the rate of unlawful entry with intent.
Ms Spence said the report demonstrates the success of crime prevention initiatives.
“According to this report, the rate of motor vehicle theft in Queensland was the lowest in Australia last year, after an 11.5% decrease.
“General theft rates were also down by 6.1%, the second lowest in Australia.
“This is the result of excellent policing combined with community awareness and vigilance.”
Ms Spence said the government will continue to provide adequate resources to the Queensland Police Service to ensure the outstanding results continue.
“We must not become complacent when it comes to fighting crime,” Ms Spence said.
“These results are an indication of what can be achieved by a well resourced police service, and we will continue to provide funding and support to enable police to do their job.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287