Community crime-fighting in Queensland will be crippled by the Palaszczuk Government’s massive 85 per cent cut in funding for Neighbourhood Watch.
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington said she was appalled that funding for the state’s 400 Neighbourhood Watch groups was being slashed from $500,000 a year to just $75,000.
"We need to boost community involvement in crime prevention, not destroy it," Ms Frecklington said.
"What is the Palaszczuk Government thinking in targeting Neighbourhood Watch volunteers for spending cuts?
"They should be backing community-spirited volunteers to the hilt, not stabbing them in the back."
Shadow Minister for Police Trevor Watts said Neighbourhood Watch played a major role in crime prevention and detection.
"Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are a vital link between police and communities," Mr Watts said.
"The volunteers give valuable information to police and keep their communities alert.
"Neighbourhood Watch is celebrating its 30th birthday this year – what a lousy present Annastacia Palaszczuk is giving its volunteers."
