Ninderry MP Dan Purdie promises more police for Sunshine Coast amid bikie activity
The LNP has promised a boost to policing numbers amid a spike in bikie activity on the Sunshine Coast, while Labor downplays the threat of organised crime.
Candidates
Don't miss out on the headlines from Candidates. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Increased bikie activity on the Sunshine Coast has prompted one MP to pledge more cops for the region, claiming “bikies are thumbing their nose” at the state government’s current laws.
A recent uptick in bail applications relating to those with alleged bikie affiliations as well as the formation of the Sunshine Coast District Gang Squad have renewed calls for a beefed-up police presence in the region.
Court documents have also revealed the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang has begun to increase recruitment across the region.
Ninderry MP and shadow police minister Dan Purdie said police on the Sunshine Coast were stretched to “breaking point” due to weak bikie laws.
“While bikies are thumbing their nose at Labor’s weak laws, our thin blue line is stretched to breaking point without the resources they need to crack down on criminals,” Mr Purdie said.
Mr Purdie said the LNP would bring in “back-up” to the current police force.
“Labor’s weak bikie laws don’t back our police but the LNP would bring in the back-up they need,” Mr Purdie said.
“Only the LNP has a plan to restore safety where you live, with stronger laws and more police.”
However, Labor MP for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, downplayed the threat of organised crime on the Sunshine Coast, adding the state currently had the strongest laws regarding bikies Australia-wide.
“Queensland has the toughest anti-bikie laws in the nation. There are no clubhouses in Queensland,” Mr Skelton said.
“Gang members cannot wear their colours in Queensland, they have to cross the border to do that. Hundreds of members have handed in their colours due to the relentless pressure from police backed by strong laws.
“The community can rest assured that police will be relentless in targeting those who wish to cause harm in the community through organised crime.”
Vote now: Which reader question should be put to the leaders?
Steven Miles and David Crisafulli are being put under the pump by Courier-Mail subscribers this election. It’s time to vote on which question is asked to the leaders.
FULL LIST: Your guide to North Qld candidates in the 2024 State Election + where to vote now
With early voting centres now open, see the full list of candidates in your region vying for your vote in the state election PLUS opening times and locations of where to vote.