Queensland Police Prepare for Worst-Case Scenario: ‘Escape, Hide and Tell’ as Terror Threat Looms
- Queensland Police conduct training exercises in shopping centres and Lang Park stadium to prepare for potential terror incidents
- Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon warns of the importance of preparedness, despite no current threat in Queensland
- Training scenarios include a simulated crowd control challenge and hostage situation, with a focus on responding to attacks in crowded venues
- Australia’s terror threat level remains at “probable”, but ASIO director-general Mike Burgess argues the label does not accurately capture the threat facing the country
Queensland Police have taken a proactive approach to preparing for potential terror incidents, conducting training exercises in shopping centres and Lang Park stadium.
The exercises, which include simulated crowd control challenges and hostage situations, are designed to test the response of officers and venue staff in the event of a terror-related threat or incident.
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon emphasized the importance of preparedness, despite no current threat in Queensland.
“The deadly shootings at Bondi Beach in 2025 and the stabbing attack at Bondi Junction in 2024 have only reinforced the need for us to conduct regular training,” she said.
“Our counterterrorism training is practical, it’s realistic, and it’s scenario-based.”
The training exercises, which were conducted under Operation Banshee, took place after hours at shopping centres in Brisbane, Logan, Toowoomba, Cairns, Rockhampton, and Mackay. Officers responded to simulated scenarios, including a crowd control challenge and hostage situation, at Lang Park stadium as part of Exercise Sundown.
Stadiums Queensland chief executive Todd Harris highlighted the importance of collaboration between venue staff and emergency services.
“If we have our venues full, we are talking about 40,000 to 50,000 people that we need to control, and we need everyone on deck to respond at the same time,” he said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the need for people to feel safe when attending sporting events.
“You will never make anything bulletproof, but you can put steps in place to give people every chance of being safer than they were yesterday and safer than other venues,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Scanlon explained that officers were deliberately placed in high-pressure environments where each decision made could result in a loss of life. “This is designed so they can respond in a coordinated and decisive manner to any type of attack that could occur,” she said.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
Australia’s terror threat level remains at “probable”, but ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has argued that the label does not accurately capture the threat facing the country.
He has suggested that the terror threat system could be overhauled altogether, with discussions underway about a new system.
Security analysts say that the training exercises conducted by Queensland Police demonstrate the importance of preparedness and collaboration between emergency services and venue staff. “The threat of terrorism is real, and it’s essential that we take proactive steps to prepare for potential incidents,” said one analyst.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the threat of terrorism is not limited to crowded venues, but can occur anywhere. “It’s essential that we remain vigilant and take steps to prevent and respond to potential threats,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe that the training exercises conducted by Queensland Police set a high standard for emergency preparedness. “The exercises demonstrate the importance of collaboration and preparedness in responding to potential threats,” said one observer.
In the event of a terror incident, the message to the public is clear: escape, hide and tell. “Escape if it’s safe to do so,” said Deputy Commissioner Scanlon.
“If you can’t escape and you need to hide, find something solid to put between yourself and the individual. Call the police on Triple Zero (000) and report what you’ve seen when it is safe to do so.”
