Byrne slams LNP over budget
SHADOW Police Minister and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne has criticised the state over a nearly 30% drop in allocated funds to the Queensland Police Service today.
The shadow minister called for an explanation to the decision to cut the funding, which he said was required to buy necessary equipment.
"In the LNP's first mean and tricky State Budget the allocation of $53.8 million for operational equipment is $23.7 million less than last year and the lowest funding in three years," Mr Byrne said.
"Officers in Townsville, the Gold Coast and Central Queensland and other regions have been raising the issue of lack of equipment, particularly the shortage of cars, in recent months.
"The closer we look at the LNP Budget the more holes and cracks that appear. It is a Budget that takes away more than it gives, especially from regional Queensland.
"The funding for equipment has continually increased over the last few years as police officer levels increased, but now under the LNP the funding appears to have dropped.
Mr Byrne said he was concerned that the reduction of funds allocated to the police service could result in an added risk to the community and officers.
