Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police budget up nearly 10% to boost police numbers and fight crime
Police Minister Judy Spence said a boost of nearly 10% to the police budget will help put 200 extra police on the frontline.
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Police Service’s operating budget is increasing by $134 million (9.3%) to $1.571 billion.
“This will boost police numbers, build new police stations and infrastructure, enhance information technology, and fund strategies to target criminals and deter irresponsible behaviour.
“The 200 extra police positions, at a cost of $18.3 million, will mean by October 2009 we will have more than 10,100 police officers helping to keep Queensland safe.
“We will continue to provide modern facilities for police.
“This year’s budget provides $142 million for capital works projects including building new police stations and watchhouses and upgrading existing facilities across the State.
“Major projects include the delivery of a replacement facility for the Sunshine Coast Water Police, new police stations at Carseldine, Springfield and Reedy Creek, replacement stations and watchhouses in Murgon and Mareeba and station extensions on Thursday Island.
“Planning continues for the development of the $450 million Police Academy at Wacol which when completed in 2012 will be one of the best facilities of its kind in the world.
“This year’s budget allocates more than $22 million to reduce the tragic loss of life on Queensland roads. This includes funding of $6.9 million to provide 72,000 officer hours for on-road enforcement. There is also more than $13 million operating and $1.5 million capital funding to deliver 70,080 hours of mobile speed camera operations and to continue red light and fixed speed camera operations.
“And there is a new weapon in the fight to reduce the road toll. From July 2008 our tough new vehicle confiscation laws come into force state-wide. People who repeatedly drink drive, drive while disqualified or unlicensed, drive unregistered and uninsured or illegally modified vehicles face losing their vehicle permanently.
“More than $50 million has been allocated for the purchase of police operational equipment, motor vehicles and other plant and equipment and more than $6 million for water vessel purchases and upgrades.
“Criminals who prey on children are a major concern for parents. Paedophile Task Force Argos detectives will be supported with a $94,000 upgrade to their computer networks. An additional $122,000 will be spent warning about the dangers of the internet by further developing the successful ‘Who’s Chatting With Your Kids’ and ‘Surf Safely’ initiatives .
“Spending on information technology is essential to ensure police remain at the cutting edge in fighting crime.
“More than $36 million in operating funding and more than $48 million in capital funding will support continuing projects including QPRIME (for recording all crime incidents statewide), the Public Safety Network (a more reliable shared data network), and Policelink (a new system for the public contacting police).
“This record budget delivers funding for the safety and security of all Queenslanders,” Ms Spence said.
Media: 3239 6218
Ms Spence said: “The Queensland Police Service’s operating budget is increasing by $134 million (9.3%) to $1.571 billion.
“This will boost police numbers, build new police stations and infrastructure, enhance information technology, and fund strategies to target criminals and deter irresponsible behaviour.
“The 200 extra police positions, at a cost of $18.3 million, will mean by October 2009 we will have more than 10,100 police officers helping to keep Queensland safe.
“We will continue to provide modern facilities for police.
“This year’s budget provides $142 million for capital works projects including building new police stations and watchhouses and upgrading existing facilities across the State.
“Major projects include the delivery of a replacement facility for the Sunshine Coast Water Police, new police stations at Carseldine, Springfield and Reedy Creek, replacement stations and watchhouses in Murgon and Mareeba and station extensions on Thursday Island.
“Planning continues for the development of the $450 million Police Academy at Wacol which when completed in 2012 will be one of the best facilities of its kind in the world.
“This year’s budget allocates more than $22 million to reduce the tragic loss of life on Queensland roads. This includes funding of $6.9 million to provide 72,000 officer hours for on-road enforcement. There is also more than $13 million operating and $1.5 million capital funding to deliver 70,080 hours of mobile speed camera operations and to continue red light and fixed speed camera operations.
“And there is a new weapon in the fight to reduce the road toll. From July 2008 our tough new vehicle confiscation laws come into force state-wide. People who repeatedly drink drive, drive while disqualified or unlicensed, drive unregistered and uninsured or illegally modified vehicles face losing their vehicle permanently.
“More than $50 million has been allocated for the purchase of police operational equipment, motor vehicles and other plant and equipment and more than $6 million for water vessel purchases and upgrades.
“Criminals who prey on children are a major concern for parents. Paedophile Task Force Argos detectives will be supported with a $94,000 upgrade to their computer networks. An additional $122,000 will be spent warning about the dangers of the internet by further developing the successful ‘Who’s Chatting With Your Kids’ and ‘Surf Safely’ initiatives .
“Spending on information technology is essential to ensure police remain at the cutting edge in fighting crime.
“More than $36 million in operating funding and more than $48 million in capital funding will support continuing projects including QPRIME (for recording all crime incidents statewide), the Public Safety Network (a more reliable shared data network), and Policelink (a new system for the public contacting police).
“This record budget delivers funding for the safety and security of all Queenslanders,” Ms Spence said.
Media: 3239 6218