QUEENSLAND POLICE TO ASSIST NSW OFFICERS AT APEC LEADERS WEEK

A contingent of Queensland Police officers will travel to Sydney today, to assist with security arrangements for the APEC 2007 Leaders Week.

Police Minister Judy Spence said the Queensland Police Service has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with New South Wales authorities, to provide six officers to work with local authorities during the week-long event.

“With leaders from 21 different countries attending the meetings, security preparations have been comprehensive, involving authorities from a number of jurisdictions,” Ms Spence said.

“We are pleased to be able to provide support to NSW police, together with officers from Victoria, New Zealand and the Australian Defence Force.

“Our officers will assist in a range of security measures to ensure that Australia stages a safe, secure and successful event for APEC delegates.

“Their tasks may include specialist support to intelligence work and threat response capabilities.”

Ms Spence said Queensland Police have recently provided security for other APEC meetings in Queensland, including the Senior Officials Meeting in Cairns and the Finance Minister’s Meeting at Coolum.

“The police officers travelling to Sydney have a wealth of experience in responding to major events and matters where security is critical,” Ms Spence said.

“The recent APEC meetings held in Queensland were a success and I am confident these officers will represent this state to a professional standard.

“The provision of these officers will help to ensure the meetings in Sydney run smoothly.”






The six Queensland police officers being deployed for the Leaders Week meetings will depart Brisbane tomorrow and return on September 9.


Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287