Defence search Commonwealth Games venues in support of Queensland Police Security Measures

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commenced search activities in support of security preparations for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
 
The ADF is assisting the Queensland Police Service by searching a number of key locations during the lead up to, and throughout, the Games.
 
The Commander of the ADF’s support to the Games, Major General Paul McLachlan, said the ADF is providing specialised search capabilities that will partner with, and enhance, the local state police security arrangements.
 
“Australian Army Engineers will be searching official venues, the Games village, and vehicles at designated checkpoints; while Navy Clearance Divers will be conducting sub-surface searches of key locations on the Gold Coast waterways,” Major General McLachlan said.
 
ADF support to the Queensland Police Service is an important component of the Australian Government’s overall security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games.
 
Head of Queensland Police Service Commonwealth Games Group, Assistant Commissioner Peter Crawford said the ADF is an important partner to plan and deliver the security and ensure the public’s safety for the Games.
 
“Queensland Police, in partnership with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation, has been working with key security partners, local councils and communities to prepare for the event,” Assistant Commissioner Crawford said.
 
“Queensland Police’s first priority is to keep our community safe and working with partners like Defence, ensures the Games are safe, secure and enjoyable for everyone who attends.” 
 
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be the largest event staged in Australia in a decade with more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories competing over 11 days.
 
Media Note:
Images of ADF search activities will be available on the Defence Image Library at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20180100  
 
Media Contacts:
Defence Media: 02 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au