A future Liberal National Government will introduce a wide-ranging counter-terrorism strategy to ensure no stone is left unturned in reducing the risk of and safeguarding against a terrorist incident in Queensland.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls will announce the state’s first dedicated terrorism policy this Sunday at the State Convention in Brisbane.
Mr Nicholls said the LNP, if elected, would introduce stronger laws and appoint a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Minister to protect the community and to re-double our efforts in the fight against terrorism.
He said terrorism, both domestically and internationally, was something at the back of all Queenslanders’ minds, irrespective of where they lived.
“Thankfully, Queensland has never experienced an identified terrorism incident, but we must remain vigilant in guarding against possible threats against Queenslanders and our way of life,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We can’t take for granted the freedoms we all enjoy.
“According to our national security advice, credible intelligence, assessed by our security agencies, indicates that individuals or groups continue to possess the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia.
“International terrorist groups have proven adept at using their extremist ideology to motivate ‘lone wolves’ or small groups to use violence in their home countries.”
Mr Nicholls said the LNP’s policy was designed to give state-based authorities all the tools necessary to ensure the evil scenes witnessed in Manchester and London did not occur in our state.
“A future LNP government will strengthen bail laws to include a presumption against bail for someone charged with a terrorism-related offence, or who is known to have terrorist links,” he said.
“We will also strengthen parole to remove the presumption against parole for an offender charged with a terrorist offence, convicted of a terrorist offence or subject to a terrorist notification.
“As well, we will also give police more powers to prevent an attack by increasing the maximum time allowed under a preventative detention order from 14 days to 28 days.”
Mr Nicholls said Queenslanders were shocked, horrified and sickened by recent terror attacks overseas.
“Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism is something we all have to live with but something we will not let consume us,” he said.
“This policy is about ensuring we are well equipped, but not alarmed.
“The LNP, when in government, demonstrated our strong commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe with record investment in law enforcement agencies and tougher laws that put community safety first.
“This is part of our plan to provide safe and liveable communities as we Build a Better Queensland.”
Key Points - Safeguarding Against the Terrorism Threat:
