Beef-up Gold Coast court security: oppn

Queensland's opposition has called on the government to do something about an increase in violent behaviour by defendants and their supporters at Southport Courthouse.

Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek and shadow attorney-general Ian Walker claim to have been approached by long-serving staff concerned about their safety.

Mr Langbroek says it's clear the problem is escalating, as alleged offenders and their supporters become more volatile and lash out at police, security and other court staff.

"All Queenslanders deserve to feel safe in their workplace and courthouses are no exception," he said.

Mr Walker said a prisoner allegedly injured three court officers after jumping the dock in a bid to escape in November.

He said the same prisoner lobbed a pot plant at glass doors on his way out.

"Clearly there needs to be more resources directed at beefing up security at the Southport courthouse, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were other courthouses across the state that were also experiencing the same spike in violent behaviour," the shadow attorney-general added.

Comment has been sought from the state government.