South Toowoomba MP David Janetzki welcomes security allowances

Toowoomba South MP and Qld Treasurer David Janetzki has welcomed new security allowances extended towards MPs after his own past experience with a stalker.

South Toowoomba MP David Janetzki visited Dolley Concreting after they were victim to a teenager crime spree which resulted in three teens being charged after police discovered Mr Dolley's mini-digger and trailer at an unused farmhouse in Southbrook. July 25, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

State member for Toowoomba South and Treasurer David Janetzki has shared his justification for a boost to state MP’s home security measures after his own experience with a stalker.

It comes as the Queensland independent Remuneration Tribunal granted a $6500 allowance for the reimbursement of providing home security measures to Queensland state MPs.

The security provisions follow a risk assessment by either the Queensland Police or a qualified security adviser and can be used to install or maintain security systems and screens.

It also includes improving CCTV line of sight and lighting conditions around the house.

If recommended by a security adviser, the allowance may also pay for third party security services.

As Queensland’s new treasurer Mr Janetzki is exempt from the $6500 allowance, as Qld ministers, the speaker, and the leader of the opposition already have a security allowance.

He welcomed the move, and before he was appointed as treasurer, he said he had been targeted by a stalker.

“This allowance is a sensible response given threats to MPs,” he said.

Gympie MP and primary industries minister Tony Perrett had also shared a similar experience.

In November a Kilkivan man was found guilty of stalking the Gympie MP, and during the state election campaign LNP candidate Sean Dillon, now member for Gregory, was assaulted on a remote road in Western Queensland.

Since Covid, threats towards Queensland MPs have generally increased, with police officers giving additional security at public events and media conferences.

In his nine years serving as Toowoomba South MP, Mr Janetzki has been a long-time advocate for victims of crime and for tougher sentencing laws. 

Originally published as South Toowoomba MP David Janetzki welcomes security allowances