The LNP’s plan to reduce crime in Mackay has strengthened with a $1.5 million funding commitment for Crime Stoppers, if elected in October.
Speaking in Mackay today, LNP Shadow Police Minister Dan Purdie said the extra money will help expand the network of volunteers and support crime-prevention.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government significantly reduced funding in February 2019 which lead to the closure of the Crime Stoppers call centre,” Mr Purdie said.
“Labor’s shocking decision saw an increase in demand to the Queensland Police Service, which was already massively over-stretched.
“Last year it was revealed that 130,000 crime reports and tip-offs to PoliceLink were abandoned by callers who hung up when their calls went unanswered.
“As a former police officer and child safety detective I know how crucial Crime Stoppers is.
“It helped our police make almost 2,200 arrests in the last year and detect drugs with a value of almost $6 million.
“Since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier, robbery has increased 132 per cent in Mackay, armed robbery is up 92 per cent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle has soared by 135 per cent and serious assault has risen 36 per cent.”
LNP Candidate for Mackay Chris Bonanno said Labor created this crime crisis and they don’t a have plan to fix it.
“The LNP will end Labor’s crimewave by giving police the resources and the tough laws they need to protect the community,” Mr Bonanno said.
LNP Candidate for Mirani Tracie Newitt said the LNP will work with Crime Stoppers to boost the role that volunteers play in the fight against crime and ease the pressure on our police.
“The only way to fix the crime problem is to change the government on October 31,” Ms Newitt said.