Michael Healy blasts LNP for dumping crime prevention scheme

The state government has scrapped a $10m crime reduction strategy aimed at minimising vehicle theft in regional Queensland towns, with a Far North MP questioning the figures used to justify ditching the program.

The Engine Immobiliser Subsidy Trial has been scrapped. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The state government has scrapped a $10m crime reduction strategy aimed at minimising vehicle theft in regional Queensland towns, with a Far North MP questioning the figures used to ditch the program.

But Police Minister Dan Purdie has claimed the scheme was an expensive and ineffective “Labor failure”.

The Engine Immobiliser Subsidy Trial provided up to 20,000 Cairns, Townsville and Mt Isa residents with a $500 voucher to install the devices used to stop vehicles from being stolen.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy says results from the immobiliser trial warranted an extension. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images for NBL

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said he hoped the trial would be extended after seeing positive results last year.

“This was a program designed by police, backed by the Queensland Police Union and widely supported by the community,” Mr Healy said.

“It was helping Cairns residents protect their vehicles and reduce car theft, and it was working.

“Not one car fitted with an immobiliser under the trial has been reported stolen.”

Police Minister Dan Purdie says a review into the trial led to the immobiliser scheme being cut. Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

In response, Mr Purdie disputed the MP’s claim, citing a review of the trial which found that immobilisers had failed to stop criminals from stealing cars.

“The Queensland Police Service conducted an evaluation of the Immobiliser Trial in Cairns, Townsville and Mt Isa and found it to be ineffective,” the former police officer said.

“The immobilisers had no impact on car theft rates during the trial period. In fact, there were several instances where vehicles fitted with immobilisers were stolen.”

The code-safe engine immobiliser. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Of the 20,242 vouchers issued for the $500 subsidy to have an immobiliser fitted, only half were redeemed.

“The trial is another costly Labor failure, created to cover up the youth crime crisis,” Mr Purdie said.

The state government will reallocate the remaining $4.5m to other crime prevention programs.

“The decision to axe this scheme is not just wrong — it’s outrageous,” Mr Healy said. “It must be reversed immediately.”

Immobilisers prevent a vehicle’s engine from starting without the driver using an authorised key and then entering a personalised code.

Originally published as Michael Healy blasts LNP for dumping crime prevention scheme