The Palaszczuk Labor Government today refused to guarantee the future of Queensland’s all-important Stock Squad.
During Question Time in Parliament today, Labor’s Police Minister Mark Ryan refused to be drawn on the future of the Stock Squad.
LNP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett said it was disgraceful that the Minister was unable to guarantee the future of the designated police unit tasked with fighting stock theft in Queensland.
“This is especially distressing when we have heard reports that the Minister has been handed a review with a recommendation to disband the squad,” Mr Perrett said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government simply doesn’t understand the importance of the stock squad to regional Queensland and our agricultural industries.
“Unfortunately, Labor seems more interested in protecting animal extremists who trespass and terrorise farmers, rather than catching people who steal cattle, especially at time when their value is at an all-time high.
“When last in Government the LNP rebuilt the Stock Squad and properly resourced it to ensure it was able to do its job.
“Queenslanders can be assured that an elected Deb Frecklington LNP Government in October will once again properly fund the Stock Squad, so our farmers can be protected”.
LNP Member for Condamine Pat Weir said Labor’s refusal to guarantee the future of the Stock Squad was shocking but wasn’t a surprise.
“This is typical of a Labor Government that puts its city-centric agenda before the regions,” Mr Weir said.
“Farmers deserve to have a dedicated police squad that understands the industry and can hold those who commit crimes to account.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is anti-farmer, anti-regions and cannot be trusted.
“Only a Deb Frecklington LNP Government will protect Queensland farmers and their stock from lawlessness.”
