Queensland Police paid about $116m lease on building it never used
A Queensland Police lease will cost about $116 million for a building that was never used.
The Queensland Police Service agreed to lease a property on Logan Road in Stones Corner. The lease costs about $116 million over 15 years.
Police pay more than $500,000 each month. The building was later found unsuitable and never used.
A Crime and Corruption Commission investigation released Thursday found a superintendent without significant property experience led the negotiations. Buying the building would have cost much less.
Police had not secured funding before signing the contract. The investigation found weak governance and control but made no findings of corruption.
Police Minister Dan Purdie called it possibly the worst deal for Queensland taxpayers in history. Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing apologised.
He said the money would have been better spent on public safety.
- $116 million
- Total lease cost
- 15 years
- Lease term
- $500,000
- Monthly cost
- 433 Logan Road, Stones Corner
- Location
Why it mattersThe waste shows governance failures. It raises questions about accountability in government contracts.
AustraliaQueensland taxpayers are carrying a $116 million bill for a police building that was never used.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 d ago
