Queensland election 2017: LNP promises ‘anti-drone squad’ if it gets into power

AN LNP government would create an “anti-drone squad” that would include eight “drone guns” to give police the ability to shoot down rogue drones at major events.

An LNP government would commit to a specific drone squad.

AN LNP government would create an “anti-drone squad” that would include eight “drone guns” to give police the ability to shoot down rogue drones at major events.

Unveiling his police policy in Toowoomba on Tuesday, Opposition leader Tim Nicholls promised to employ an additional 535 officers over the next three years, costing taxpayers $108 million over that period.

Police drones would be used to take down suspect drones over high profile sporting events, under an LNP policy.

He also pledged an additional $22 million in funding for new equipment, including the previously announced police helicopter for North Queensland along with more body-worn cameras, body armour and SERT machine guns.

“We know that in the world of terrorism, there are emerging threats and one of those emerging threats that has been identified is the use of drones,” he said.

“We will ensure that our Queensland police have the latest technology to deal with the latest threats, to ensure that we protect our community against the threat of terrorism.

“This follows on the tough laws I announced back in July to ensure we have a dedicated counter-terrorism minister. that will be the police minister; to ensure we have tougher laws so we can detain people who are suspected of terrorism longer; to enable our police to be able to track down and take action.”

Mr Nicholls said the drone guns would work by shooting an “impulse” towards the drone, causing it to lose control and crash.

He said the Government would work with CASA in creating a policy around the usage of the guns.

An LNP candidate was caught red-handed after he spilt the beans on the announcement, spruiking the commitment before it was announced, including in a brochure sent out to the electorate. Kurwongbah hopeful Allan Cook told voters of the promise last week after his letterbox drop.

Mr Nicholls said the police would be rolled out from Cairns to the Gold Coast in line with population growth.

“Crime is out of control in many parts of the state under Annastacia Palaszczuk and her soft-on-crime attitude that favours offenders over victims and families,” he said.

“These additional frontline officers form part of the LNP’s commitment to provide police with the resources they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”

TODAY’S POLL QUESTION

The LNP’s announcement comes as Labor unveils its police policy, which also includes the hire of 535 more police.

Despite announcing an extra 400 police officers over four years just two weeks ago, the Government will today pledge to increase that number with a strong focus on counter-terrorism in light of recent extremist attacks.

Labor will differentiate their policy by reinforcing their counter-terrorism unit, with the creation of the Security Counter-Terrorism Command.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said 513 police would be on the frontline while 22 highly trained security and intelligence experts would form part of the new SCTC.

Originally published as Queensland election 2017: LNP promises ‘anti-drone squad’ if it gets into power