Qld govt mum on drones in anti-terror ops

By Australian Associated Press

Published: 09:13 EST, 28 May 2015 | Updated: 09:13 EST, 28 May 2015

Two new Queensland police drones could possibly be used for counter-terrorist operations, but the state government says that's top-secret information.

Queensland police have unveiled two drones with a combined cost of $23,000. They will be used to monitor criminal activity and gather photographs and videos of crime scenes.

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller says the drone evidence will be used in criminal cases before the courts.

But she won't discuss whether the flying robots will be counter-terrorist operations as well, citing national security concerns.

"I should not speak about that because we are on a high-terrorism alert," Ms Miller said.

"It's situation where we stand united with our federal counterparts to make sure that Queensland and Australia are always safe."

The new drones were first deployed to help police examine the scene of a fatal house fire in Beenleigh that claimed the life of a two-year-old boy this month.

"The drones will also be used in the forensic search for evidence in places that were previously inaccessible - for example, on a roof, down a cliff or over a very large distance," Ms Miller said.

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