June 17, 2020
The State Government has rejected claims the Stock Squad – otherwise known as the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) – is about to be axed.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said on Tuesday farmers had been “abandoned by Labor”, saying Police Minister Mark Ryan had refused to be drawn about the future of the squad during Question Time.
Mr Perrett, the Member for Gympie, said he had heard reports the Minister has been handed a review with a recommendation to disband the squad.
However, Minister Ryan said on Wednesday the squad played a vital role enforcing the law in rural areas.
“MOCS (Rural) is a very important part of policing in Queensland,” the Minister said.
“Those specialist teams will be staying right where they are, serving rural Queensland communities.
“If anyone doubts that, they can ask the Police Commissioner.
“Commissioner Carroll is adamant these specialist rural teams will stay where they are.
“The work the members of these teams do is very specialised and they are experts in their field.
“It is simply a nonsense for anyone to suggest that their invaluable work will not continue.”
