AUSTRALIA - Taxpayers spend $70,000 improving anti-bikie politicians' homes

OFF THE WIRE
Taxpayers have footed the bill for almost $40,000 worth of security upgrades at Premier Campbell Newman's family home in the wake of the state government's crackdown on criminal motorcycle gangs.

Fairfax Media can reveal improvements to Mr Newman's inner-city Windsor home, including upgrades to security screens, CCTV, external lighting, alarms, locksmith work and intercoms, have cost $38,925.

The cost of similar improvements to Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie's Sunshine Coast home was $9759, while security upgrades to Police Minister Jack Dempsey's Bundaberg home are estimated to cost about $20,000.

The cost of additional police protection, including patrols around the elected officials' homes, is understood to cost a significant amount of money.

However, the Queensland Police Service is remaining tight-lipped about the cost.

When asked for the cost of additional security measures for Messrs Newman, Dempsey and Bleijie, the QPS took two days to provide a single sentence response.

"To ensure the ongoing safety of dignitaries and public office holders the QPS is not in a position to discuss the security arrangements or associated costs," a police spokeswoman said.

Since the introduction of the state's Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment legislation, which has been publicly championed by Messrs Newman, Bleijie and Dempsey, security has been stepped up at State Parliament and other government buildings.
The security concerns are not unfounded.

Mr Newman's home address, which he shares with his wife Lisa and two teenage daughters, was published on social media last month on a site purportedly supporting motorcycle clubs.

Mr and Mrs Newman's mobile phone numbers were also published, leading to a series of harassing calls to them both.

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