The Crisafulli Government has launched an unprecedented surge of police resources into Cairns and Townsville, delivering one of the largest and most focused policing efforts in Queensland’s history. The dedicated crime crackdown aims to turn the tide on the Youth Crime Crisis that has plagued communities for more than a decade.
This new tactical operation harnesses the combined strength of the State Flying Squad, Traffic Taskforce, the Public Safety Response Team and local police, bringing together specialist capabilities to target serious repeat offenders. The surge includes high-visibility patrols, investigative work, and covert policing – all coordinated through newly established local investigation centres.
In just the past week, the surge has charged 100 offenders in Townsville with 440 crimes and 102 offenders in Cairns with 482 crimes, demonstrating the immediate impact of putting more boots on the ground.
The crackdown is supported by landmark reforms including Adult Crime, Adult Time and Jack’s Law, alongside Operation Marshall funded in the 2025-26 Budget. These efforts are being matched with record investment in frontline resources:
- $147.9 million for new Tasers, body-worn cameras, radios, and Tactical First Aid Kits.
- $290.3 million to recruit 1,600 new police over the next four years.
- More than 350 additional police have already joined the frontline in just nine months under the Crisafulli Government.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the initiative is proof of what happens when a government backs its police:
“What we are delivering today is a strong, coordinated policing response that gives people back confidence and will help restore safety where they live.
Our message is clear: offenders will be caught, victims will be protected, and the communities of Cairns and Townsville will no longer be abandoned.”
The surge comes as new data shows early signs of progress:
- Statewide victim numbers down 5.7%
- Serious repeat offenders down 17.5%
- Break-ins down 10%, stolen cars down 3%, robbery down 13%
While the results are encouraging, the government says more needs to be done – and Cairns and Townsville are at the front line of the response.
The largest policing surge in Queensland’s history is now underway, with specialist teams working alongside local officers to restore community safety and deliver on the promise to turn the tide on youth crime.
