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.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/taxpayers-spend-70000-improving-antibikie-politicians-homes-20131221-2zrqe.html#ixzz2oFRbgXny
