A $1.28 billion scheme to tackle crime in Queensland will see hundreds of extra police officers on the ground, upgrades to policing equipment and stations and more support for the victims of crime, says Premier Steven Miles.
The mammoth cash injection comes amid growing concerns about spiraling youth crime and rates of domestic violence.
The new Community Safety Plan includes plans for an extra 900 police officers on the ground, in addition to the more than 2000 already announced.
Cairns and the Sunshine Coast will benefit from new Polair capabilities, and police resources will be updated across the state, including upgraded police stations and the new Townsville Police Academy.
There are also plans to introduce two new pieces of legislation: one against ramming an emergency vehicle; and a second against evading the police and causing an accident resulting in injury or death.
Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch, the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group and the Stop Coward Punch Campaign will also receive a boost, with $3.2 million in additional funds between them over four years.
“Crime and its causes are complex – often stemming from experiences of domestic violence, homelessness, disengagement from education, poor mental health and lack of family support,” Miles said.
“My government’s Community Safety Plan for Queensland is about delivering the evidence-based prevention and intervention services to prevent crime from occurring, while giving police the tools and laws they need to track and detain offenders.”
The premier has credited the initiatives already rolled out at the start of the year for a 10.7 per cent overall reduction in youth crime compared to the same time last year.
Premier Steven Miles joined one of the marches through Brisbane’s city centre, along with Senator Murray Watt.
At least 27 women have been killed, allegedly at the hands of men, in Australia this year, according to data compiled by anti-violence advocates.
