CRIME SPREE SHOWS NEED FOR HELICOPTERS

After the recent crime spree in Cairns and the chase down south it is further proof of the need for a strategic helicopter fleet for use by the Qld Police Service. here is the media release put out by me-

The Australian Party spokesperson for police, corrections and emergency services Darren Hunt has called for a strategic helicopter fleet for Queensland Police after a spate of dangerous incidents.

Mr Hunt said “The recent events in Cairns and the Gold Coast highlights the need for a strategic helicopter fleet for police instead of having to rely on news crews. This government has dragged it’s feet for too long on this issue. Innocent people had their lives put in danger at Cairns and the Gold Coast in the past two days and it is time for this to end.”


“We have a pursuit policy so restrictive police are too scared to do their job and supervisors don’t even ask details anymore, they just automatically terminate pursuits as displayed last night.


“The Australian Party has been calling for a fleet of strategically based helicopters to service the state. Of course it makes sense to have the first one based in South East Queensland. But there should also be one based in Cairns to service the Far North and if viable a third based in Central Queensland. Police currently rely on other agencies, such as Emergency Management Queensland, which has seen their fleet grounded over recent weeks, limiting police options.”


“Last year the Queensland Police Service did not spend a significant amount of their budget, which would easily cover the costs associated. Instead of focusing on buying fixed wing aircraft to ferry politicians around pork barreling marginal electorates, this government should be focusing on giving police the resources they need to do their job and that starts with a strategic helicopter fleet.”




Darren Hunt
Australian Party Candidate for Cairns