Coronavirus Gold Coast: Qld Police denies officers are struggling with workloads in COVID-19 crisis

Critics are claiming frontline cops are struggling to cope with both the COVID-19 crisis and regular duties, but the minister says they have the resources they need.

THE Police Minister has rubbished suggestions Gold Coast officers have been “stretched to breaking point” juggling the enforcement of strict COVID-19 restrictions with general policing duties.

LNP figures including Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens and Currumbin MP Laura Gerber lined up yesterday to express concern about the workload on frontline officers.

“I am hearing from frontline police officers they are frustrated with a severe lack of resources and they are stretched to breaking point,” Mr Stevens said

Queensland Police officers enforcing border restrictions in the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Scott Powick

“The resources Gold Coast police have at the moment are unsustainable.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to listen to police and do whatever it takes to ensure they have the resources they need.”

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington also weighed in, saying enforcing border closures and monitoring people in isolation had increased workloads.

“If the police need more boots on the ground to do the job being asked of them, then they should get them,” she said.

“The resources Gold Coast police have at their disposal must reflect the enormous challenges they face responding to the coronavirus pandemic.”

However Police Minister Mark Ryan rubbished suggestions officers were understaffed and said additional resources have been available at short notice in the coronavirus crisis.

Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens speaking in Queensland Parliament. Picture: Jack Tran

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“Police have planned extensively to meet the challenges posed by the current situation. Extra resources have already been deployed to the Gold Coast. And further resources can be requested if required,” he said.

“I am assured by the Queensland Police Service that current resourcing levels are appropriate.

“It is important to remember that a disaster declaration remains in place across the State and it is ill conceived to simply call for resources to be taken from other areas of the State when this has not been requested by senior officers.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Mr Ryan’s comments were backed up by a Queensland Police spokesperson, who told the Bulletin operational capacity had already been enhanced by suspending non-essential training, courses, meetings, programs and projects.

“Extra resources from other areas of the State have already been allocated to the District to assist with ensuring the Chief Health Officer’s directives are complied with to keep the community safe,” they said.

“In addition, operations in the Gold Coast District are being supported by personnel from ADF, SES, Transport and Main Roads, City of Gold Coast and other agencies.”

Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington and newly elected Currumbin MP Laura Gerber. Picture: Adam Head

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The spoksperson said senior officers were always reviewing operational requirements and resourcing needs.

“Should the District Officer determine additional resources are required, these will be sought through the usual Disaster Management arrangements,” they said.

Mr Ryan said 20 extra police officers were deployed to the city in recent months, a new police facility opened at Arundel and another has been under construction at Pimpama.