Record $3 billion budget supports better policing services

The Palaszczuk Government’s record police budget means that for the first time ever more than $3 billion will be invested in better policing services in Queensland.

This record and historic investment in better services is delivering 2025 extra police personnel over five years (from 1 July 2020), a major investment pipeline of new and upgraded infrastructure, and new high-tech equipment to support a modern world class police service.

The record 2022-23 police budget will progress new and upgraded police facilities at Aurukun, Burketown, Cairns, Cairns West, Caloundra South, Clermont, Cooroy, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Dayboro, Hervey Bay, Kirwan, Longreach, Mackay, Maryborough, Palm Island, Proserpine, Rainbow Beach, Ripley, Rosewood, Warwick, Winton and Woree, as well as new police accommodation at Mount Isa.

In addition, the record 2022-23 police budget includes $2 million to support work on the business case for the relocation of the Oxley Police Academy to the Wacol police precinct, which currently already includes the world-class Bob Atkinson Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Training facility.

The record police budget also includes funding for the further rollout of new body worn cameras, QLiTE tablet devices and integrated load bearing ballistic vests to ensure every frontline police officer has access to this important policing equipment.

These vital resources support the operational capabilities of a modern, supremely agile and mobile police service.

The police budget also provides funding for an Australian first trial of anti-hoon camera trailers as part of a Road Safety Anti-Hooning Maximum Saturation Deterrence Strategy and complements Queensland’s nation leading anti-hoon laws with tough penalties including vehicle confiscation, hefty fines and potentially jail-time for the worst hoon offenders.

The record police budget also provides additional resources to deliver better services by streamlining processes and digitising records at Weapons Licensing and to start the process for a new Weapons Licencing management system with work commencing this year.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the Queensland Police Service will always be unwavering.

“The Queensland Police Service played a vital role during the pandemic, protecting our great lifestyle by keeping the virus out of Queensland,” Mr Ryan said.

“During the natural disasters that unfolded during a lengthy severe weather season, again police stepped up shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Queenslanders.

“Queensland’s police deserve our thanks and our rock-solid support, and that’s what they will always get from the Palaszczuk Government.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s record investment in police will further support the capacity of police to investigate, disrupt and prevent crime, and will also support Queensland’s economic recovery with the creation of thousands of new, secure and very important police jobs.

“Our state’s police are world class, they deserve every support, and that’s exactly what the Palaszczuk Government is doing with this new, record police budget.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the upgraded facilities and equipment, along with extra police personnel, would help officers keep communities across the state safe.

“Our highest priority is community safety, and it is important police are provided with the resources they need to perform this role,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“Police officers go above and beyond for those around them, so it is fantastic to support them with the facilities, numbers and tools they need.”

For more information about the State Budget visit budget.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Police Minister’s Office 3035 8300