Queensland police powers expanded as Safe Night Out Strategy hailed a success

Campbell Newman’s government has hailed its “Safe Night Out Strategy” a success, with Police Minister Jack Dempsey claiming assaults are down almost 10 percent in targeted precincts.

Tougher penalties for bad behaviour, more police numbers and education campaigns have swept the state in an attempt to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

Since the new rules were enforced across the Safe Night Out precincts, 1800 patrons have been banned, 1200 more have been fined, and licensees have received more than $25,000 in penalties.

The laws have now been expanded, with police able to breathalyse and drug test anybody who commits a serious assault in the designated precincts.

Anybody charged with a serious assault will also be forced to complete a Drug and Alcohol Assessment Referral as part of their bail conditions.

Police will be able to choose whether or not to conduct the tests, but some believe the new powers go too far and impinge on their civil liberties.