Despite skyrocketing crime rates across Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government’s 2017 Budget reveals Labor has underspent on critical police resources.
LNP Shadow Police Minister Tim Mander said the budget showed Labor had their priorities all wrong when it came to protecting Queenslanders.
“Crime’s on the rise, the bikies are back on the Gold Coast and yet Annastacia Palaszczuk is happy to underspend on the Queensland Police Service,” Mr Mander said.
“The capital budget for police was also significantly underspent, meaning that our frontline police aren’t getting the support and equipment they need to keep Queenslanders safe.
“Only last year we heard of a significant shortfall in the number of additional police vehicles being supplied to the service and this year the measure’s not even reported – another Labor cover-up of their neglect for our men and women in blue.
“Youth crime in North Queensland is out of control, the bikie gangs are re-establishing themselves and yet Labor are putting their heads in the sand when it comes to law and order.”
Mr Mander said even more disturbing were the cover ups planned by Labor in future budgets.
“This year the budget hid important figures such as police car purchases, but next year the cover up continues with the budget failing to record individual crime statistics,” he said.
“Crime rates should be the most important service standard for the Queensland Police – their number one job is to protect the community – which is why scrapping the measure from next year’s budget is extremely concerning.
“A Tim Nicholls Liberal National government will build stronger families and provide safe and liveable communities.”
Key facts:
Crime statistics are being hidden after this year’s State Budget. The Service Delivery Statement usually reports a breakdown of offences per 100,000 people. None of that will occur in the coming year.
