A Counter-terrorism minister will be appointed and tougher bail laws under LNP

THE LNP has revealed a bold plan to stop terrorism, particularly on the Glitter Strip, if they are elected next year.

Police on terrorism alert in Manchester — Queensland will have Australia’s toughest anti-terrorism laws under an LNP Government. / AFP PHOTO / JOHN SUPER

THE LNP will appoint a counter-terrorism minister and adopt tough law to detain suspects if it wins the next state election.

On the eve of the party’s State Convention in Brisbane, Opposition leader Tim Nicholls will today announce the state’s first dedicated terrorism strategy.

Queensland Opposition leader Tim Nicholls today will announce the LNP’s strategy on counter-terrorism. Picture by Scott Fletcher

The key points of the policy include:

● Strengthening bail laws to include a presumption against bail for someone charged with a terrorism-related offence.

● Toughening parole to remove the presumption against parole for an offender charged with a terrorist offence, convicted of a terrorist offence or subject to a terrorist notification.

● Increasing the maximum time allowed under a preventative detention order from 14 days to 28 days.

● Greater leadership by appointing a dedicated Minister for Counter-Terrorism.

Mr Nicholls said terrorism was something at the back of all Queenslanders’ minds irrespective of where they lived.

Queensland Opposition leader Tim Nicholls on the Gold Coast to try his hand at beach volleyball ‘ “we have to be well-equipped but not alarmed”. Picture by Scott Fletcher

“We can’t take for granted the freedoms we all enjoy.

“International terrorist groups have proven adept at using their extremist ideology to motivate ‘lone wolves’ or small groups to use violence in their home countries.”

The last Queensland Government counter-terrorism strategy was released in 2013 and the Opposition believes it needs to be updated on current threat levels.

In January, NSW announced its first-ever minister for counter terrorism. All States and territories under current laws only allow for a detention of a suspect for up to 14 days.

The proposed changes by the LNP in Queensland will be an Australian first allowing the judiciary to grant orders for up to 28 days in custody.

Two women embrace in St Ann's Square during a vigil on May 24, 2017 in Manchester, England — the emotional toll after an explosion at Manchester Arena two days earlier as people left the Ariana Grande concert caused 22 fatalities and injured 59. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Mr Nicholls said the LNP’s policy was designed to give state-based authorities all the tools necessary to ensure the evil scenes witnessed in Manchester and London did not occur here. “Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism is something we all have to live with but something we will not let consume us,” he said.