Thursday, 24th September 2020
The LNP’s commitment to make communities safer, boost police resources and crackdown on youth offending has ramped up on the Gold Coast today, with a major announcement in the lead up to the October 31 state election.
Ms Frecklington unveiled her plans alongside LNP Member for Coomera Michael Crandon and LNP Member for Theodore Mark Boothman, to strengthen police numbers across the Gold Coast.
“If I’m elected Premier next month, an LNP Government I lead will provide another 80 police officers over the next four years on the Northern Gold Coast, this includes an immediate allocation of 40 officers for Pimpama station upon opening,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Under the Palaszczuk Labor Government, the thin blue line has never been thinner and I make absolutely no apologies for investing in these stronger measures.
“The LNP’s strong plan also includes scrapping Labor’s soft ‘catch and release’ laws, bring back breach of bail, 24/7 monitoring of youth offenders on bail, amendments to the Youth Justice Act, mandatory detention for a third conviction and establish community payback farms.
“A vote for the LNP is a vote for tougher laws, more police and safer communities.”
LNP Member for Coomera Michael Crandon said Labor has completely lost touch of community expectations when it comes to law and order.
“The Northern Gold Coast is the fastest growing region in Queensland,” Mr Crandon said.
“These 80 additional officers, over and above current numbers, will almost double the officers working from Coomera Police Station and the hard fought for Pimpama Police Station.
“Under Labor, assaults on the Gold Coast increased by 132 per cent, shop stealing soared by 126 per cent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle has gone up 62 per cent and robbery has experienced a 42 per cent rise.”
LNP Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said Labor has shown a lack of respect to the police force since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier. “Our hard-working police men and women have done an extraordinary job during unprecedented times, but they need more support,” Mr Boothman said.
“Today’s commitment follows similar announcements by Deb Frecklington across the state over many months. We’ve already confirmed $1.5 million over three years to Crime Stoppers, after Labor slashed their funding dramatically.
