KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter is calling for a State Government inquiry into the Policelink reporting system following complaints people are forced to report online rather than via phone.
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Mr Katter has written to Police Minister Mark Ryan saying it was impossible for some people in rural and remote areas to report online because they don't have access to a computer, or are disadvantaged and don't have the capacity.
"The explanation that's been given is that data indicates that Queenslanders prefer to report incidents online, but I can tell you that's far from reality for many people in remote areas who can't get to a computer, or don't have the means to navigate a website and deal with the technical difficulties that almost certainly arise," Mr Katter said.
"It is vital that Policelink be available to everyone, no matter their preferred use of contact."
Mr Katter said a key part of tackling crime and keeping communities safe was a robust and fully accessible reporting system.
"While we have crime happening in our communities, people need to be able to call and report it by talking to a real person on the phone, not just sending a report through the online service," he said.
Mr Katter's call for an inquiry comes a week after Mount Isa city councillor Kim Coghlan also asked Policelink to stop deferring calls to the website.
Cr Coghlan said the system does not work for Mount Isa.
"Older people, people who haven't got a computer and disadvantaged residents don't have the capacity to report online," she said.
"I ring Policelink continuously with regards to crime in Mount Isa or things I want to report. But I rang Policelink a few months ago and on the phone I was pushed towards reporting online, like three times."
Minister Ryan said the government wanted Queenslanders to report incidents to police using the method that is best for them.
"Since the online reporting tool was launched, it has assisted many Queenslanders who have the personal preference to report incidents online," he said.
"Data shows that many Queenslanders now prefer to report online."
Mr Katter called for relocation sentencing to stop what he called "the alarmingly high and rising level of crime across Queensland", a policy which would allow magistrates to send offenders to an approved remote property to work on the land and learn life skills, however the state government opposes this policy.
Queensland Police say reported crime has risen 10 per cent overall between 2014/15 and 2018/19 and clearing rate fell seven per cent, even though police dealt with a higher volume of offences.
Policelink fielded 145,000 calls, emails and digital requests per month in 2019.
Frontline police are having to do more administrative and support work due to 500 unsworn staff being cut in 2012 and 2013 - when the LNP was last in power in Queensland.
Mr Katter said a key part of tackling crime and keeping communities safe was having a robust and fully accessible reporting system in place.
"While we have crime happening in our communities, people need to be able to call and report it by talking to a real person on the phone, not just sending a report through the online service."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
