Published Thursday, 12 July, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
MESSENGER'S BOMB SQUAD CLAIMS BLOWN AWAY
Police Minister Judy Spence said it is ridiculous for Rob Messenger to claim that she has no idea the Queensland Police Service’s Explosive Ordnance Response Team is short of specialist equipment when he was clearly told at last night’s Estimates hearing that is not the case.
“Mr Messenger’s claims that the EORT urgently needs half a million dollars for x-ray equipment is wrong,” Ms Spence said.
“Like all police units the EORT has all the x-ray equipment they need to perform their duties in a safe manner.
“The Queensland Police Service is looking at replacing some existing x-ray equipment which uses a film system with new digital imaging systems, however police do not view this need as urgent.
“As Commissioner Bob Atkinson advised last night’s estimates committee, if the EORT needs new digital imaging machines to replace the x-ray film systems then they will be provided within the appropriate timeframe.”
“In fact the Commissioner told the committee the EORT is the equal with the best in Australia and in fact the equipment for this squad has been expanded in recent times in terms of remote control vehicles, bomb suits and dogs.”
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service is quick to take advantage of advances in technology and is currently adopting digital equipment for forensic work and speed cameras.
“These are just a few examples of the government’s commitment to providing police with appropriate up-to-date equipment,” Ms Spence said.
“The EORT maintains a counter-terrorism response capability and can deal with explosive, chemical, radiological and biological devices.
“This squad is at the front line of the Queensland Police Service’s response to any terrorist incident and is vital to the State Government’s Counter Terrorism Strategy.
“The government is determined that important police team’s such as the Explosive Ordnance Response Team and the Special Emergency Response Team have adequate funding for the equipment and training they need to help them respond to any situation.”
Ms Spence said Mr Messenger has failed to listen to the Commissioner’s expert advice on the needs of the EORT.
“Just like his push for a police helicopter, which the police have said on several occasions is not a priority, Mr Messenger is once again trying to whip up a media frenzy, based on false information.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
“Mr Messenger’s claims that the EORT urgently needs half a million dollars for x-ray equipment is wrong,” Ms Spence said.
“Like all police units the EORT has all the x-ray equipment they need to perform their duties in a safe manner.
“The Queensland Police Service is looking at replacing some existing x-ray equipment which uses a film system with new digital imaging systems, however police do not view this need as urgent.
“As Commissioner Bob Atkinson advised last night’s estimates committee, if the EORT needs new digital imaging machines to replace the x-ray film systems then they will be provided within the appropriate timeframe.”
“In fact the Commissioner told the committee the EORT is the equal with the best in Australia and in fact the equipment for this squad has been expanded in recent times in terms of remote control vehicles, bomb suits and dogs.”
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service is quick to take advantage of advances in technology and is currently adopting digital equipment for forensic work and speed cameras.
“These are just a few examples of the government’s commitment to providing police with appropriate up-to-date equipment,” Ms Spence said.
“The EORT maintains a counter-terrorism response capability and can deal with explosive, chemical, radiological and biological devices.
“This squad is at the front line of the Queensland Police Service’s response to any terrorist incident and is vital to the State Government’s Counter Terrorism Strategy.
“The government is determined that important police team’s such as the Explosive Ordnance Response Team and the Special Emergency Response Team have adequate funding for the equipment and training they need to help them respond to any situation.”
Ms Spence said Mr Messenger has failed to listen to the Commissioner’s expert advice on the needs of the EORT.
“Just like his push for a police helicopter, which the police have said on several occasions is not a priority, Mr Messenger is once again trying to whip up a media frenzy, based on false information.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287