State MPs get security upgrades

Josephine Gillespie | 19th January 2010

SAFETY glass at reception counters and improved door locks are just some of the security measures that have been upgraded at Ipswich state MPs offices last year.

While up to 18 offices across Queensland are still waiting to be upgraded or relocated, all three Ipswich MPs have had their security adequately updated.

Security improvements were ordered for all state MPs offices after a siege at Cairns MP Jason O’Brien’s office three years ago.

Ipswich West MP Wayne Wendt said while he had not encountered any violent incidents at his office, the security improvements were needed to ensure a safe workplace for his staff.

“Even in my short time here I’ve noticed an increase in the amount of people that are prepared to take their frustrations out verbally and in an unruly way,” Mr Wendt said.

“We had our security upgraded over the past six months. I think it was necessary because just in case someone did take it a step too far, I’d want my staff to feel safe.

“A lot of people come into the office with gripes so you have to be careful.”

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller said her security had also been beefed up in the past six months, including having office furniture bolted to the floor.

“After the Jason O’Brien incident we had a review of security here at my office and since then we’ve had a couple of changes,” she said.

“Security is taken very seriously here. MPs do get threatened from time to time and it’s not worth taking the risk of having an unsafe office.”

Ipswich MP Rachel Nolan is currently on leave, but her electoral officer Karen Newton said security upgrades had occurred as they expanded their Brisbane Road office in recent months.

Eleven more MP offices will be relocated or refurbished.