Boost to Queensland Police Service armoured vehicle fleet

• More than $6.2 million from the upcoming Queensland Budget for new police armoured vehicles.
• Funding will deliver new and replacement armoured vehicles for police
• Expanded fleet will include an additional heavy armoured vehicle for Specialist Police
• Expansion of fleet will support better community safety across Queensland

The Queensland State Budget will deliver a greatly enhanced capacity for police to respond to high risk scenarios.

Police are required at times to operate in extremely dangerous, dynamic and highly unpredictable environments.

Queensland’s specialist police teams are trained to elite levels of performance and they deserve the equipment and resources to support their vital work protecting the community.

The government has committed to adding another heavy armoured vehicle to the Police Service’s emergency response capability.

In addition, the fleet of Light Armoured Vehicles will be expanded by three.

Furthermore, four from the existing fleet of Light Armoured Vehicles will be renewed.

These are significant investments but they will support police and support community safety.

It is therefore imperative that police are provided with the hardware and resources that support their work and allow them to go about that work as safety as possible.

Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“The safety of our brave police officers and the Queenslanders they protect, are a top priority for this Government.

“These armoured vehicles are a priceless and life-saving asset for our Specialist Police, who are on the frontline of dangerous and high-risk situations.

“Funding will ensure police right across Queensland, including specialist units, have the armoured vehicles and resources they need to help keep their colleagues and Queenslanders safe.”

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“The Queensland community is incredibly fortunate to have a police service that possesses the elite level emergency response capability that the Queensland Police Service provides.

“Our emergency response teams regularly operate in extreme high-risk environments and they deserve every support, including the best hardware and resources that we can provide.

“I am very pleased that the government is making this very significant investment in police capability.

“It will mean an enhanced capability to respond to emergencies, which in turn delivers enhanced community safety outcomes.

“Especially when operating in highly dangerous environments, police deserve to have the best and safest equipment, resources and vehicles to support their selfless work for and on behalf of the broader community.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd:  

“These new armoured vehicles will enhance the safety of frontline police officers, other emergency services personnel and members of the public who may be involved in a dangerous situation.

“They will help to keep not only Queensland communities safe, but also enhance the safety of our frontline staff.

“The armoured vehicles, in particular the heavy armoured vehicle, provide us with a host of deployment options including enabling the recovery of injured people, supporting a safe negotiation platform, providing a delivery platform for the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) during high-risk operations and moving resources in and out of potentially dangerous situations.

“The vehicles support SERT operational requirements but will also be positioned around the state and available to support other first response officers attending other high-risk operations prior to SERT arriving.

“The heavy armoured vehicle possesses a range of specialised capabilities in addition to high levels of ballistic protection and off road capability.

Quotes attributable to Police Union President Ian Leavers:

“We always want the best resources for police and I thank Minister Mark Ryan, the Treasurer and Premier for again delivering for the frontline.

“Police are already benefitting from the rollout of new personalised Integrated Load Bearing Vests that provide significant protection from bladed weapons and firearms.

“The addition of a new bearcat and multiple light armoured vehicles will provide protection for police during critical incidents.

“We hope this armour is rarely required but if it is our specialists need the best equipment and the most advanced technology available to ensure the continuing safety of the Queensland community.”

Fast facts 

• Heavy armoured vehicles offer significant response and recovery capabilities.
• The heavy armoured vehicles used by the QPS weigh more than 9 tonnes.
• Most Specialist Police operations involve the deployment of some form of armoured vehicle.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Geoff Breusch (Treasurer's Office) - 0417 272 875

Phil Willmington (Minister Ryan's Office) - 0411 535 180 

Police Media - (07) 3015 2444