Opposition Offer To Host Crime Summit: Mulherin

Media Release.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin says if the Newman Government isn’t interested in discussing ways to fix the Gold Coast’s crime situation, the Opposition will step in and host the community summit called for by Gold Coast Tourism and the Queensland Police Union.

“The Opposition wants to work constructively with everyone to develop solutions to this issue, so if the Newman Government was to fulfil its responsibilities and host a summit, we would welcome it and would seek to be involved,” Mr Mulherin said.

“However, if the Newman Government – with nine MPs in the region including Ministers Jann Stuckey and John-Paul Langbroek – continue to sit on their hands, we will step in."

“Quite clearly, the issues facing the Gold Coast, particularly in relation to bikie gangs and organised crime, have reached the point where strong action needs to be taken."

“While the statistics do show an increase in crime, especially violent crime, there is no doubt that the region and the economy is hurting from the broader perception that the Gold Coast is suffering from a crime wave."

“For the biggest non-capital city in the country that relies heavily on the tourist industry and is hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2018, we need to tackle this perception – real or otherwise – head on."

“We need to get all the experts in a room – police, legal experts, criminologists, and others – and discuss new strategies to fight crime."

“Are there enough resources on the ground? Are the policing strategies being rolled out effective enough? Are there strong enough deterrents in place?"

“As legislators, do we need to introduce special powers to in order give confidence to Gold Coast residents and the tourists that power this local economy?"

“It’s time we all worked together and put everything on the table in the best interests of the Gold Coast.”