Investing in a strong police service

The Rockliff Liberal Government is investing $4.1 million over the next two years to upgrade the State’s Police Academy. 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the upgrades would ensure the academy remained fit for purpose and could continue to recruit, house and train an increasing number of police. 

“There will be upgrades to the auditorium, accessibility improvements, and safety improvements, to ensure that we can keep the strong pipeline of recruitment going,” Minister Ellis said. 

“Tasmania Police are recruiting aggressively in line with our Government’s commitment to add 334 extra police officers to the ranks. 

“With 160 recruits planned to go through the Academy this year, and 165 next year, we need to ensure that our training facilities keep pace with training requirements."

Minister Ellis said the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget also included funding for five new police officers dedicated to investigating sex offender compliance with the Sex Offender Register, to keep children safe. 

“This will take Tasmania Police to the highest establishment it has ever had – 1,454 police officers, which is a 31 per cent increase since 2014,” Minister Ellis said. 

“Already Tasmania Police has recruited 289 of these police officers.” 

The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to invest in our emergency services to help keep our communities safe.