The Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC and the Honourable Philip Morrison KC, who have both previously served on the bench, were appointed on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, following consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Gotterson AO KC will fill the role until 27 December 2027 while Justice Philip Morrison KC has been appointed for five years.
The appointments may also lead to additional service on the Court of Appeal and the Mental Health Court.
Justice Morrison retired as a Judge of Appeal in June 2024.
His Honour was appointed a judge of the Queensland Court of Appeal in August 2013 and was appointed an acting judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland (July 2024 - August 2024) and an acting member of the Mental Health Court (July 2024 - August 2024).
Justice Gotterson was appointed a judge of the Queensland Court of Appeal in April 2012 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014. This was in recognition of his distinguished service to the judiciary, to legal education, administration and professional standards through a range of senior roles and to the community of Queensland.
His Honour retired as a permanent judge in December 2019.
Attorney-General and Minster for Justice Deb Frecklington said the reserve judge roles were significant appointments and would ease the workload of sitting judges.
“Both appointees are highly regarded former judges of the Supreme Court who are eminently qualified and well suited to these roles,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The ability to call on them as reserve judges to address the fluctuating needs of the court will help manage the growing workload of the court.
“We are fortunate to have the benefit of their vast knowledge and experience on a needs basis and for that we are very grateful for their time and service on the bench.”
The Crisafulli Government is embarking on a bold 25-year plan to future-proof Queensland’s primary industries.
The plan will ensure the sector remains the backbone of the Queensland economy and drives growth ensuring the Crisafulli Government reaches its bold commitment of boosting Queensland’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030.
The Crisafulli Government will work closely with farmers, industry leaders and regional communities to set the strategic vision which will be complimented by 5-year operational plans tailored to meet regional and sector needs.
Critical considerations will include the impact of global megatrends, technological advancements including agtech and diversification, advanced manufacturing, and new international trade opportunities as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
For a decade, Queensland’s farmers have been left to fend for themselves due to Labor’s lack of support and ability to invest in the modernisation of the industry.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s primary industries, after a decade of Labor neglect.
“The landscape of Queensland’s primary industries is changing rapidly, and we must act to ensure our industries and communities remain competitive, productive and resilient into the future,” Minister Perrett said.
“By working together, we can co-design solutions that reflect local priorities and help Queensland meet its ambitious economic goals to ultimately grow the sector.
"The Premier and I took to the election a commitment to return the department to being a trusted advisor to industry, not an inhibitor.
“This process, vision and plans will play a role in returning to a culture where the department and industry collaborate, to meet challenges and grow the sector, a culture which Labor has eroded from agriculture in Queensland, during their successive terms in office.
“This is a 25-year blueprint for a stronger future, and it’s all about unleashing new and exciting opportunities for Queensland producers in the years to come.”
A four-month consultation process will start with a full-day forum on the 26th of February in Brisbane, with the blueprint released next financial year.
For updates on the 25-year blueprint visit Department of Primary Industries or call 13 25 23.
The new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said from Monday all wind farm developers would be mandated to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.
“These changes are the first step to fixing Labor’s failed laws which treated regional communities like second class citizens,” Mr Bleijie said.
“For nearly a decade, the previous Labor Government failed to consult with Queenslanders on major renewable projects and that’s why the LNP Government was determined to deliver a voice for local communities.
“From Monday all proposed wind farm developments will be required to undertake compulsory public consultation and respond to stakeholder appeals.
“Queenslanders voted for a Fresh Start and as part of that we’re delivering a voice for every local council, community and impacted stakeholder on new wind farm developments in their communities.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood.
“Introducing an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms will provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.
“We said we’d make the approvals process a level playing field with the same rigorous requirements, including community consultation, regardless of the project.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to openness and transparency, and we will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made.”
Ongoing consultation with local government, industry and other stakeholders will continue as the next stage of the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment is implemented.
This next phase will focus on making other renewable energy projects impact assessable, such as large-scale solar farm developments, as well as introducing a community benefit framework for renewable energy developments that is similar to the requirements that other major development projects deliver in regional communities.
The first regional stakeholder information sessions have started today for two critical government youth crime fighting programs, Regional Reset and Staying on Track, delivering on a key commitment from the government’s 100 Day Plan.
The government will hold 12 sessions across the State to inform stakeholders as the first stage of the tender process for the early intervention and rehabilitation programs.
Both programs are key pillars of the Government’s Making Our Community Safer Plan and part of the Fresh Start Queenslanders voted for.
The Staying on Track program will deliver a 12-month rehabilitation program post-detention for youth, including at least 6 months’ intensive support to reintegrate them into the community and prevent them from falling into a cycle of repeat crime, driving down the state’s 91% recidivism rate.
The Regional Reset program will deliver nine early intervention residential programs with a one to three week ‘reset’ for those demonstrating high-risk behaviours including substance abuse, aggression, or truancy, providing youth with the skills to divert from crime before they become serious repeat offenders.
Premier David Crisafulli said The Regional Reset and Staying on Track programs would help break the cycle of crime which had flourished under Labor’s weak laws and fewer police.
“These new programs are about pushing the reset button on young lives and providing them with the life skills, education, and support to turn towards a brighter future,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Early intervention isn’t a one size fits all, but Regional Reset will extend a helping hand to troubled kids and pull them off the trajectory they’re currently on.
“While it will take time to break the cycle of crime, Staying on Track will deliver critical rehabilitation after detention, turning kids away from crime and reverting to their old ways.
“After 10 years of decline there is no overnight silver bullet but we won’t stop until there are fewer victims in Queensland.
“With early intervention and rehabilitation we can start to turn the tide on youth crime and start to make our community safer.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the briefing sessions are an important step to inform stakeholders on the initiatives and to seek feedback on the programs.
“Queenslanders were promised action to address youth crime in the first 100-days in Government, and we are delivering on that commitment,” Minister Gerber said.
“These programs are aimed at intervening in kids’ lives before they’re hardened criminals, to provide them with the support to get back on the right track.
“Reoffending rates have skyrocketed under Labor and these programs will help reduce the cycle of repeat youth offenders and prevent more Queenslanders from becoming victims of crime.
“A youth crime sentence shouldn’t breed better criminals and Staying on Track will give kids leaving detention the support they need to divert them from crime and ensure they have the skills to build a positive future.
“The Regional Reset program is part of the Crisafulli Government’s suite of early intervention measures to give at risk youths the best chance at a brighter future.”
The Crisafulli Government has today announced three major areas of red tape reduction for teachers, delivered as a result of the Red Tape Reduction Working Group.
Red tape across behaviour management plans, procurement and recruitment are the first three actions to be delivered as part of the government’s plan to reduce the administrative burden on teachers by 25 per cent over the next four years.
Reducing unnecessary red tape and regulation to empower teachers and allow them to spend more time teaching and less time on paperwork is a key commitment of the Crisafulli Government and delivers on a pledge from the 100 Day Plan.
The first meeting of the Teacher Red Tape Reduction Working Group - held late last year - brought together school principals, heads of principal associations, unions, school business managers representatives, and parent representatives to help set the agenda and decide the initial actions.
Teachers and school leaders will be encouraged to provide further feedback on red tape pressures in Queensland state schools during Term 1 with consultation to include face-to-face and virtual forums, an electronic survey, and school staff will be invited to send their ideas in writing.
A wealth of feedback received from state school principals and teachers has helped inform the changes which include:
Labor’s legacy for Queensland’s education system is one that left students and teachers without the resources needed to succeed, leaving the state lagging behind the rest of the nation in education standards.
Minister Langbroek said reducing red tape was part of delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland and empowering our teachers in the classroom.
“These first three red tape reduction measures are just the tip of the iceberg in ensuring teachers and school staff receive the support they need to deliver a world class education for Queensland kids,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Reducing red tape is a key priority of the Crisafulli Government and is critically important in our schools and we’re not wasting any time removing the burden from teachers.
“I want to assure teachers that this government has a deep respect for their profession. They can expect to see constant momentum on slashing existing red tape, and a commitment to preventing more from appearing.”
Patrick Murphy, President of the Queensland Association of State School Principals, welcomed the Minister’s commitments.
“What educators are pleased to hear is the commitment to a sustained long-term focus on red tape reduction so that over time requirements don’t continue to creep back in for teachers and school leaders which impact on the education we can provide to Queensland students,” Mr Murphy said.
“Red tape can be generated at different levels from the classroom to the staffroom and across the department. I’m pleased that this initiative is looking at solutions across all levels.”
Scott Wiseman, CEO of Queensland Association of Parents and Citizens Associations, said red tape reduction is not only in the interests of teachers, but it will also benefit students and parents.
“What parents want most is teachers in the classroom teaching and principals leading their school. To achieve that, teachers need to be able to stop or delegate some of the other tasks that are currently asked of them,” Mr Wiseman said.
Mark Breckenridge, President for the Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association, welcomed the announcement.
“Reducing unnecessary compliance activities is a sign of trust in the professionalism of our educational leaders. Principals have absolutely welcomed that and will lead the implementation of any changes in their schools and have great ideas about what works,” Mr Breckenridge said.
The Crisafulli Government has today announced abolishing stamp duty on new homes for first home buyers will be the first action of Parliament this year, delivering major cost of living relief to Queenslanders.
The move will pave the way for thousands of first home buyers to save on upfront transaction costs, unlocking home ownership for more Queenslanders while also boosting housing supply across the State.
After a decade of Labor, Queenslanders were locked out of the housing market with the state recording the lowest rate of home ownership of any state in the nation.
Abolishing stamp duty on new homes for first home buyers is just one of the actions the Crisafulli Government is taking to boost home ownership, including unlocking underused church and charity owned land for community housing, removing restrictions preventing first home buyers renting out rooms and kickstarting new development with a $2 billion investment in housing infrastructure.
A first home buyer purchasing a new house and land package in Toowoomba at the median price could save $24,730.
First-home buyers would save $29,500 when purchasing a new build at the median price in Brisbane east, while in Logan-Beaudesert, they would have keep $6960 in their pocket.
Premier David Crisafulli said every Queenslander should have a place to call home.
“We are unlocking more homes for more Queenslanders, more quickly,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“For far too long, stalling housing approvals and skyrocketing housing prices have shut the door on Queenslanders walking into their own home.
“For the past decade, the dream of home ownership has become a nightmare for Queenslanders.”
Treasurer and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki said the LNP would put Queensland back on top of the home ownership ladder within a decade.
“Queenslanders are losing hope in the Great Australian Dream of home ownership and the situation has never been more dire for young people wanting to purchase their first home,” he said.
“Never before have so many young Queenslanders wanted to own a home, and never before have so many believed it is out of reach.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland, and we are boosting housing supply to increase Queensland home ownership rates.
“Scrapping first home buyer stamp duty on new builds provides real savings and puts the Great Australian Dream back within reach.”
Labor’s last budget update has revealed the $218 billion debt and deficit legacy of the former government’s lies, waste and chaos.
The Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review (MYFER) outlines how Labor’s reckless fiscal management generated the deepest deficits in Queensland history, at $9 billion each year in 2026-27 and 2027-28, driving debt to double in four years.
Total government debt is forecast to hit $218 billion by 2027-28, almost $40,000 for every man, woman and child in Queensland, the worst per capita debt burden of any state in the nation.
Capital project costs will rise from $107.3 billion at the 2024-25 Budget to $129.9 billion by 2027-28, following significant hidden blowouts including $4.2 billion in identified health projects, $3.1 billion in transport developments, and $4.2 billion for energy, water and port projects.
Labor’s announced but unfunded service delivery commitments drive a deterioration of the deficit in 2024-25 to $4.9 billion, up from $2.6 billion.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the MYFER set out the true financial future Queenslanders faced under Labor.
“Labor’s last budget update reveals the lies and deceit of the former Labor Government’s hidden blowouts and unfunded essential services,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Under Labor, Queensland would have been saddled with $218 billion in debt. This would have had real-world costs for Queenslanders, impacting programs and services.
“Today we confirm our promise that debt will be lower under the LNP than Labor’s $218 billion debt disaster.
“Labor’s mess was a decade in the making, and it is now our challenge to overcome. We are up for that challenge.
“The Government has already taken decisive action to cancel the $37 billion Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project, pause the CFMEU tax, establish the Productivity Commission and set up Queensland Government Consulting.
“We are working through the budget process and will take a calm and methodical approach to deal with Labor’s deception, so we deliver on our promises to tackle Labor’s youth crime, health, housing and cost of living crises.”
Finance Minister Ros Bates said Labor put the state on a path to financial failure.
“Today we have delivered on our promise to the public service, that we are saving their frontline jobs from Labor’s debt disaster,” Minister Bates said.
“Queensland needs more doctors, nurses, teachers, police and paramedics, and Labor’s last budget update reveals it is only the LNP who can deliver them.
“Labor’s ledger would have seen children in the care of Child Safety on the streets, a shortfall of nurses and doctors, and classrooms without teacher aides.
“Everyday Queenslanders would have experienced Labor’s debt and deceit through cuts, crime and chaos in public services.
“Labor’s ticking debt bomb would have impacted each and every Queenslander for years to come.”
Hundreds of small and family businesses are being called upon to provide practical solutions to reduce red tape as part of the Crisafulli Government’s focus on removing unnecessary government regulations.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin will write to more than 120 Chambers of Commerce across Queensland asking for feedback to rip up the red tape that is strangling businesses.
As part of delivering a fresh start for Queensland, earlier this month the Crisafulli Government fulfilled a key commitment in its 100 Day Plan to refocus the Queensland Small Business Commissioner on red tape reduction and dispute resolution.
New figures show that there are now more than 495,000 Queensland small and family businesses who employ more than one million Queenslanders.
Under Labor's red tape burden Queensland experienced the highest failure rate of businesses of anywhere in Australia, with more than 30% of new small businesses failing within the first five years.
According to Business Chamber Queensland the cost of regulation has doubled in two years to $50,000.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin met with Caloundra Chamber of Commerce at Caloundra-based OceanView Helicopters to listen to their feedback on removing government regulations suffocating businesses.
“We are getting on with the job of collecting red tape reduction examples starting with Chambers of Commerce,” Mr Minnikin said.
“Chambers of Commerce across Queensland understand the red tape challenges faced by many small and family businesses and I want their support in gathering examples.
“Some of the feedback includes language being too complicated, different information from different areas of government or duplication in auditing and monitoring requirements.
“Queensland has one of the highest rates of entry into small business. However small and family businesses are telling us that growing red tape and inefficient regulation is stifling their business growth and competitiveness.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we want to see small businesses not only survive, but thrive.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton was a business owner and understands the impact red tape can have on stifling innovation and creativity.
“As a business owner I would often experience the time-consuming process of dealing with all levels of government and the flow-on effect it had on staff, productivity and ultimately the consumer loses out,” Ms Morton said.
“I know from personal experience that red tape can cripple a business and take away from valuable time with customers.
“I welcome the Crisafulli Government’s focus on red tape reduction and making it easier for small and family-owned businesses to get on with providing essential goods and services that enhance all Queensland communities.”
Caloundra Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Bolton also welcomed the focus on streamlining red tape faced by Queensland businesses.
“Small and family businesses like OceanView Helicopters are at the heart of our tourism communities, providing services, training and products and it is imperative we reduce the hurdles they face,” Ms Bolton said.
“We want to ensure people from all backgrounds, with all experiences, are well-supported to start and operate small and family businesses.”
The Crisafulli Government has launched a major inquiry into the failures of the Blue Card Child Protection system under Labor, delivering on a key election commitment within its first 100 days in office.
The inquiry will be undertaken by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Child Death Review Board, with the Terms of Reference focused on system responses to child sexual abuse, including those that failed to protect children from convicted paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith.
Under the leadership of Child Death Review Board Chairperson Luke Twyford, the inquiry will identify weaknesses in laws, policies, procedures and practices, across early childhood education and care, police, and blue card systems.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Inquiry would uncover system failings and deliver recommendations needed to improve Queensland’s child protection system framework.
“This Inquiry is what is needed to bring child protection weaknesses into the light and protect children from the danger lurking in the shadows,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“When parents drop their children off at childcare or school, they want to know that everything is being done to protect their kids.
“We must leave no stone unturned in identifying weaknesses across government that are failing keeping children safe and implement the reform that’s urgently needed.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said she was committed to improving the system, to ensure perpetrators were identified and children at risk were protected.
“We promised in opposition to launch this critical review within 100 days if elected – Queenslanders deserve answers they never received under the former Labor government,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I want to thank the Board for undertaking this work, and I look forward to receiving their final report later this year.”
Child Death Review Board Chairperson Luke Twyford said he welcomed the opportunity to lead the review, examining one of the most horrific cases of child sexual exploitation reported in Australia.
“I am committed to working closely with government agencies and community organisations to identify the gaps in the system that enabled this opportunity for harm, analyse the system response, and identify the improvements needed,” Mr Twyford said.
“The review will include input from experts and victims of child sexual exploitation to ensure our review is carried out to the highest standards and considers contemporary child safeguarding practices.
“Our findings will be released publicly, and we will release public progress reports throughout the review period to ensure transparency and to provide the public with confidence in the process,” he said.
The Terms of Reference for the System Response to Child Sexual Abuse have been endorsed by the Child Death Review Board and work will start immediately.
The Terms of Reference are available at www.qfcc.qld.gov.au
Queensland Health has welcomed 887 new junior doctors to the frontline, helping provide critical healthcare across the State.
This year’s intake is one of the largest in Queensland’s history, and an increase from 838 in 2024.
The junior doctors will undertake a one-year internship across 12 hospital and health services.
The interns will gain clinical experience in areas such as emergency, cardiology, orthopaedics, anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, intensive care, mental health, general medical and general surgical.
They’ll all receive expert guidance and training from Queensland Health clinicians to help them choose an area of speciality to pursue once their internship is complete.
The Crisafulli Government has already announced plans to introduce a new Queensland Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton to secure a future pipeline of health workers, with a regional Queensland focus.
The Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan will deliver more doctors, nurses and paramedics to the frontline.
Frontline health worker attrition rates reached decade-highs under the former government, with the rate of nurses leaving nearly doubling under the former government to 6 per cent while 4 per cent of doctors left last financial year.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said Queensland Health’s future looked bright with the number of promising junior staff coming through the ranks.
“This week in Townsville and Cairns I’ve met with more than 100 interns who are at the forefront of our health system,” Mr Nicholls said.
“They’ll ensure Queensland Health remains in safe hands for decades to come.
“During their 10-week rotations, the junior doctors joining Queensland Health will receive worldclass training and have the opportunity to explore every aspect of health service delivery before embarking on fulfilling careers and making a lasting contribution to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
“The record intake shows the high regard in which Queensland Health is held by those pursuing a career in healthcare.
“Frontline clinicians are the backbone of the state’s health system, which is why the Crisafulli Government is committed to growing the workforce as part of our Easier Access to Health Services Plan.
“As Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, I’m committed to talking with clinicians at every stage of their career, to find out how the Crisafulli Government can support them in the delivery of excellence in health services.”
The independent Queensland Audit Office (QAO) has released a report - Health 2024 - on Queensland Health's performance in 2023-24 which has laid bare Labor's record of failures in financial performance and sustainability, asset management, and managing the demand for health services.
It confirmed what the Crisafulli Government has revealed to Queenslanders since taking office, that Labor had a history of hiding budget blowouts, and was downplaying the immense pressure the health system is operating under.
Some of the damning discoveries from 2023-24 include:
The report confirms lives were increasingly being put at risk with Queensland Health failing to meet its statewide ramping targets for the last nine years.
Last year, ambulances spent 157,602 hours ramped outside emergency departments.
Outpatient appointments also soared, with the report uncovering the number of long-waits last year was 29 per cent higher than the same time in 2015.
Meaning more than 100,000 Queenslanders were left waiting longer than clinically recommended for critical services like cardiology, ophthalmology, paediatric medicine, and general surgery.
The Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said the Auditor-General’s report was a startling insight into Labor’s inability to manage health services.
“Queenslanders can now read for themselves just how badly Labor handled our health system. It’s diabolical that ramping has gone up every year since 2016,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Through 39 state-wide Crisis Town Halls, we listened while Queenslanders told stories about losing loved ones because ambulances didn’t arrive in time or were ramped outside the hospital metres from help.”
“This shows in black and white the impact on the lives of Queenslanders every day, from the top to the bottom of the state.”
Confusion continues to reign when it comes to satellite hospitals, with more than 3,500 patients with immediately or imminently life-threatening conditions presenting at satellite hospitals last year.
This includes patients in need of emergency care for major heart attacks, anaphylaxis, massive trauma injuries, seizures, and strokes.
“More than 3,000 lives were put at risk because Labor refused to call these facilities what they are. The Crisafulli Government committed to rename satellite hospitals and end patient confusion. We have been consulting with clinicians on the right name for these facilities and will have more to say on this in the coming weeks.”
The Auditor General’s report also starkly highlights that there is a massive cliff approaching when it comes to health facilities, with more than one third of buildings needing to be replaced within the next 10 years.
“Not only did the former Labor Government under-fund new hospitals, they also failed to maintain existing ones. Labor left health facilities across the state in need of $2 billion of maintenance and repair.”
“Four years ago, the Queensland Audit Office called out the backlog of high-risk asset maintenance. But instead, Labor cannibalised the critically needed budget for hospital repair and maintenance to deal with their cost escalations and politicised announcements, it was a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
“Queenslanders deserve a world class health system, and that’s what the LNP’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan will deliver. We campaigned on healing the health crisis, we are going to diagnose, we are going to treat, and we are going to cure the health crisis.”
“We have already abolished Labor’s patient tax, and we will continue to free up hospital beds, clear waiting lists, and put more doctors, nurses and paramedics on the front line.”
“We will publish real time hospital data, so Queenslanders know the truth about what’s happening in their hospitals, not finding out when it’s politically convenient.”
“Despite the tireless work of Queensland’s clinical staff, a decade of Labor government management has put our health system on life support, but the LNP has the right plan to restore our health services to where you need them.”
The Crisafulli Government has today launched the largest rapid response unit in Queensland Police history – an integrated ‘State Flying Squad’ to swoop on crime hotspots across the state.
The squad of 58 specialist officers will be deployed to high-risk areas to strategically target Queensland’s worst juvenile and adult offenders.
The Crisafulli Government has committed $32.4 million in funding over five years to the squad, which will absorb officers who are currently attached to operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
The State Flying Squad will bolster the police frontline across Queensland and have the firepower to ensure teenage criminals are held to account through the Making Queensland Safer Laws.
Premier David Crisafulli said bolstering Queensland’s crime offensive with the largest ever police flying squad was just one of the ways the Government was delivering on its commitment to restore safety where you live.
“This squad will strike at the heart of crime and help restore community safety across the state,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Backed by our tough Making Queensland Safer Laws, the State Flying Squad represents a new era of policing and will give communities the backup needed, when they need it.
“We are throwing the kitchen sink at turning the tide on a decade of runaway crime under Labor.
“Queenslanders deserve safety and police deserve support; we are delivering on both to wrestle back control and end the Youth Crime Crisis.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said it was an important step towards solving Labor’s crime crisis and supporting police.
“For ten years, the previous Labor Government clipped the wings of our frontline officers by not giving them the resources they needed to do their jobs,” Minister Purdie said.
“Our new State Flying Squad will be able to deploy at a moment’s notice into any corner of Queensland, providing on-the-ground support to police on the frontline who need it most.
“Youth offenders and high-risk criminals will be a major focus for the new Squad, which will be able to utilise the Making Queensland Safer Laws and restore safety where you live.”
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said the Police Service welcomed the allocation of funding which would increase State Flying Squad by 41 full time staff.
“In doing so, it will reaffirm our commitment to community safety and addressing youth crime by allowing the State Flying Squad to continue the highly successful work performed by Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion,” Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said.
“The investment strengthens our targeted operations capability, ensuring we have resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to crime hotspots across Queensland.”
The Crisafulli Government has announced it has locked-in four years of funding for the Queensland Police Youth Crime Taskforce, after the former Government failed to fund it beyond this financial year.
A $15.452 million commitment delivers certainty for the Taskforce to continue its operations and with the Making Queensland Safer Laws in effect, gives police the strong laws needed to be effective in tackling youth crime.
The announcement follows revelations the previous Government failed to fund the Taskforce.
This ongoing funding will support 16 full-time staff in targeting high harm offending through targeted operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
Youth Crime Co-Responder teams will also become a permanent fixture, empowering young people to make positive choices and aiming to reduce the number of young people committing offences.
Premier David Crisafulli said setting the Taskforce in stone was another step towards unlocking the grip of Labor’s youth crime crisis on Queensland.
“For Queensland to successfully unravel a generation of youth crime we need permanent laws and a permanent policing presence,” Premier Crisafulli said.
"Today’s announcement means the Youth Crime Taskforce can focus on the survival of Queenslanders, not looking over its own should for its own ongoing survival,
“Adult Crime, Adult Time gives the Taskforce the tools it needs to make our community safer and this decision locks in the resources to focus on closing the revolving door on youth criminals.”
Minister for Police Dan Purdie said the funding worked hand-in-glove with stronger laws to empower police to do their jobs effectively.
“The Crisafulli Government has secured $15m in funding to support the front-line and enforce the toughest youth crime laws Queensland has ever seen,” Minister Purdie said.
“The fact Labor failed to fund the Taskforce into the future is more evidence they didn’t take youth crime seriously.
“Labor’s weak laws were a handbrake, now the Taskforce can accelerate the fight against youth crime.
“Our message to police is clear: we’ve got your back, and will give you the certainty, resources and powers you need to do your job properly.”
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski assured Queenslanders the service was committing to addressing youth crime from every angle.
“My priority is ensuring the community is, and feels safe, by targeting offenders causing harm to our community,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“We continue to see positive results through Taskforce Guardian, Operation Whiskey Legion, and proactive activities including high visibility patrols and engagements with young people.”