Published Saturday, 01 December, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Rob Messenger Continues to Peddle Nonsense: Spence
Rob Messenger has again shown his complete disregard for the truth, in his latest attempt to draw attention to himself, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.
“Rob messenger continues to weaken the remaining credibility of the Queensland National party,” Ms Spence said.
“With the debacles of the past week within the liberal and national camps, you would think the National Party would prevent Mr Messenger from putting out any more nonsense.
“In his latest gaffe, Mr Messenger claims that I am hiding the number of first year constables working at specific Queensland Police Stations.
“WRONG - First year constables continually rotate through different training stations, during their first 12 months, and as such it is unrealistic and unproductive to attempt to provide a snapshot on any given day.
“Mr Messenger also claims we are hiding the details on the experience of their supervising trainers.
“WRONG - As first year constables rotate from station to station, the do not stay with one trainer and may be supervised by a number of experienced officers, on any given shift.
“Mr Messenger also claims that the Queensland Police Service has among the highest number of separations in the country.
“WRONG – Attrition rates of personnel from the Queensland Police Service not only compare favourably with all other Australian police jurisdictions, but are below most of them.
“In the most recent data for police separations nationwide (2005-06), Queensland in fact had the third lowest separation rate in the country.
“Mr Messenger’s claims are ridiculous and a waste of time.
“I will not take police officers in Queensland stations away from their job of protecting the community, in order to compile invaluable statistics for Mr Messenger’s personal records.
“This government continues to provide transparent information to the Queensland public, about police numbers and crime statistics. I do not believe the people of Queensland would want police time wasted following up Mr Messenger’s petty requests.”
Ms Spence said the current position of the Queensland Police Service is the best it has been for many years.
“Over the past ten year, we have increased the number of police officers by almost 3,000, with the actual police strength as at November 1, reaching 9,682 police officers.
“The Queensland Police Service currently recruit nearly double the amount required, to account for separations and future growth.
“For the 2006/07 financial year, 701 new police officers have been sworn in, and we expect similar numbers for 2007/08.
“Since the launch of the “We Don’t Do Boring” recruitment campaign for police, we have received an average of 220 applications to join each month, with intakes at Oxley and Townsville Academies fully subscribed.
“Mr Messenger continues to make a fool of himself with his ridiculous claims.
“I am not surprised he is trying to take the focus away from other members of the opposition, but his latest nonsensical press release does nothing more than confirm the fact the opposition is not fit to govern this state.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287
“Rob messenger continues to weaken the remaining credibility of the Queensland National party,” Ms Spence said.
“With the debacles of the past week within the liberal and national camps, you would think the National Party would prevent Mr Messenger from putting out any more nonsense.
“In his latest gaffe, Mr Messenger claims that I am hiding the number of first year constables working at specific Queensland Police Stations.
“WRONG - First year constables continually rotate through different training stations, during their first 12 months, and as such it is unrealistic and unproductive to attempt to provide a snapshot on any given day.
“Mr Messenger also claims we are hiding the details on the experience of their supervising trainers.
“WRONG - As first year constables rotate from station to station, the do not stay with one trainer and may be supervised by a number of experienced officers, on any given shift.
“Mr Messenger also claims that the Queensland Police Service has among the highest number of separations in the country.
“WRONG – Attrition rates of personnel from the Queensland Police Service not only compare favourably with all other Australian police jurisdictions, but are below most of them.
“In the most recent data for police separations nationwide (2005-06), Queensland in fact had the third lowest separation rate in the country.
“Mr Messenger’s claims are ridiculous and a waste of time.
“I will not take police officers in Queensland stations away from their job of protecting the community, in order to compile invaluable statistics for Mr Messenger’s personal records.
“This government continues to provide transparent information to the Queensland public, about police numbers and crime statistics. I do not believe the people of Queensland would want police time wasted following up Mr Messenger’s petty requests.”
Ms Spence said the current position of the Queensland Police Service is the best it has been for many years.
“Over the past ten year, we have increased the number of police officers by almost 3,000, with the actual police strength as at November 1, reaching 9,682 police officers.
“The Queensland Police Service currently recruit nearly double the amount required, to account for separations and future growth.
“For the 2006/07 financial year, 701 new police officers have been sworn in, and we expect similar numbers for 2007/08.
“Since the launch of the “We Don’t Do Boring” recruitment campaign for police, we have received an average of 220 applications to join each month, with intakes at Oxley and Townsville Academies fully subscribed.
“Mr Messenger continues to make a fool of himself with his ridiculous claims.
“I am not surprised he is trying to take the focus away from other members of the opposition, but his latest nonsensical press release does nothing more than confirm the fact the opposition is not fit to govern this state.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287