Image: John Skewes
The Queensland government has announced that it will give its fleet of police cars a facelift through the purchase of a whole new armada of cop vehicles as part of the state’s 2016-17 Budget.
As part of big boost to ensuring that police are fully loaded in their crimefighting capabilities, the government will spend $32 million for around 700 new and replacement vehicles for the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Queensland Minister for Police Bill Byrne said this funding was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to ensuring police were well-resourced to keep Queenslanders safe.
“We know it is not just about getting more police on the beat – it is also about ensuring our police have the equipment and resources they need to get on with the job,” Mr Byrne said.
He said the new 700 vehicles are on top of the nearly 800 new and replacement vehicles that have already been rolled out as part of dedicated funding from last year’s Budget.
Mr Byrne said work was constantly being undertaken to ensure vehicle requirements of police across the state were being met.
“Historically the QPS has allocated vehicles based on divisional, district and regional needs as well as organisational priorities,” he said.
“This year, a new process for vehicle management has been implemented which includes a fleet governance committee, chaired by the Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner, that considers requests for additional vehicles based on available funding.”
“At the same time, the QPS is currently evaluating vehicle options for future use across the organisation as a number of vehicle types currently in use will soon become unavailable for purchase.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping the people of Queensland safe and this funding for new police vehicles is just one way we are delivering on that commitment.”
