BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 21 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Police and Emergency Services

The Honourable Dan Purdie

* The Crisafulli Government hasmet a major milestone,officiallyswearing in2,000police officers since coming to office, surpassing its election commitment in less than two years. * The new police are being sent straight to the frontline across the State, to make Queensland safer. * The latest Queensland Police Academy graduation means the Government has surpassed its election commitment for 1,600 recruits. * TheCrisafulli Government is restoring safety where you live,stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation after Labor's Youth Crime Crisis.

The Crisafulli Governmentis making Queensland safer,reaching a major milestone of2,000 new policesince October 2024.

The milestone was reachedlast nightas126new officersgraduatedfrom the Queensland Police Academy at Oxley,joining the frontlineacross the State,torestore safety where you live.

Since the October 2024 election, a total of2,098new officershavebeen sworn into the Queensland Police Service - exceeding the Crisafulli Government's election commitment to deliver 1,600 new recruits and taking the Service beyond 13,000 officers for the first time in the State's history after Labor's decade of decline.

Taking attrition into account, thereare now807additionalpolice officers on the beatthan in October 2024- more than 10 times the 76additionalpolice officers Labor delivered initsfinaltermin office.

The newest officersrepresentthevery bestof Queensland, bringing with them a wealth of life experience and professionalexpertise.

The graduating class includes11former Australian Defence Force personnel,tradies, hospitality workers and emergency services employees, alongside recruits who haverelocatedfrom interstate and overseas to answer the call to serve.

Aged between18and53, theydemonstratethat policing is attracting talented people from everywalk of life.

Last night'sgraduation highlights the success of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to rebuilding the Queensland Police Service after a decade of Labor neglect, with stronger recruitment, better retention and record investment delivering more police to communities across the State.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the milestonedemonstratedtheCrisafulliGovernment was delivering on its promise to back the frontline.

"Before the election we promised Queenslanders we would recruit 1,600 police officers during our first term; and in less than two years,we've already welcomedalmost2,100," Minister Purdie said.

"Queenslanders are answering the call to serve in record numbers, bringing with them the skills, experience and resilience gained from careers across every corner of our community.

"For too longformer governmentfailed togive theQPSthe support it needed, leaving the State with fewer officersand skyrocketing victim numbers asLabor's Youth Crime Crisis continued to spiral out of control.

"We're turning that around by investing in our police, backing them with better equipment, stronger laws and the resources they need toreduce victim numbers andmake Queensland safer."

Last night'smilestone has been achievedlesstwo years ahead of schedule, underscoring the success of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to rebuild the Queensland Police Serviceafter a decade of police leaving in droves under Labor.

Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing saidevery graduating class strengthened theQPSand the communities it served. 

"From metropolitan centres to regional and remote communities, these officers will play an important role in strengthening community confidence and keeping everyday Queenslanders safe," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

"From the moment ourfirst yearconstables put on the blue uniform, they commit to making a meaningful difference in serving the community."

The newest graduates will soon begin serving in communities across Queensland, strengthening thefrontlineand helping deliver safer neighbourhoods across the State, including:

* 18new police toNorth Brisbane * 11new police toSouth Brisbane * 9new police toCapricornia * 5new policetoMackay Whitsunday * 13new police toFar North * 11new police toMoreton * 4new police toWide Bay Burnett * 2new police toMount Isa * 14new police toTownsville * 11new police toGold Coast * 12new police toLogan * 10new police toIpswich * 3new police toSouthwest * 3 new police to Darling Downs

The Crisafulli Government continues to invest a record $7.2 billion into Making Queensland Safer, including recruiting more police, delivering new stations and police facilities, providing modernequipmentand rolling out stronger laws to support frontline officers.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:Nat Gradwell, 0449 186 116

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.