The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver leadership and transparent government, with the release of the 2018-19 Crime Report, Queensland.
Minister for Police Mark Ryan said the research undertaken by the Queensland Statistician’s Office would be used to deliver better policing for Queensland communities.
“We all want the same thing in our community – we want it to be safe,” he said.
“These statistics will be used by police to keep track of trends and focus on future policing needs.
“Using the information in this report, police will be better equipped to swiftly respond to community needs.”
Minister Ryan said that while the number of offenders in Queensland had decreased from the previous year, the number of offences was on the rise.
“This indicates the increase in the number of offences is due to repeat offenders,” he said.
“It also shows fewer Queenslanders are committing offences in the first place.
“It’s the third year in a row we’ve seen a decline in the number of offenders, and the lowest number of offenders in ten years.
“Queensland’s world-class police officers are charging and arresting offenders, and this data will allow them to respond where they are needed, when they are needed.”
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Queensland Police Service continued to work towards reducing crime.
“Together we are working towards a policing model focused on preventing, disrupting, responding to and investigating crime.
“The organisation continues to undergo a realignment program which will push more resources to the frontline.
“Thank you to the community for their ongoing support in reporting crime and suspicious activity as we work towards a Queensland that is the safest state,” Commissioner Carroll said.
Minister Ryan said the overall ten-year trend shows the number of many offences were on the decline.
“This overall trend is positive,” Minister Ryan said.
“It shows despite Queensland’s increasing population, this remains a great place to live.
“While statistics can change from time to time, one thing will never change and that’s this government’s commitment to community safety.”
Minister Ryan said $2.6 billion was allocated to police in the last state budget, an increase of almost 20 per cent since 2015.
“Under the Palaszczuk Government, there are more police in Queensland than ever before, and more on the way,” he said.
“We’ve already delivered 500 more police personnel since we came to government.
“And our police are better resourced than ever before, so they are fully equipped to do what they do best, and that’s target offenders.
“This government is committed to transparency, and we will continue to release this data in the interests of openness and accountability,” the Minister said.
