Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s whirlwind visit to WA costs taxpayers almost $600k for security

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s whirlwind visit to Perth in June — which saw gun-toting snipers hanging from low-flying helicopters, a freeway shutdown and traffic chaos in the CBD — cost WA taxpayers almost $600,000. The 19-hour trip, which saw China’s second highest-ranking political figure tour a Kwinana refinery and dine with the State’s Chinese and business communities, required more than 8000 policing hours to protect. Figures released to State Parliament on Tuesday revealed the show of force cost WA $582,000 — or almost $65,000 for each hour Mr Li was out and about in Perth. But, due to Federal laws, WA can’t send a bill to Beijing to recoup the cost to taxpayers, Police Minister Paul Papalia said, as Mr Li was afforded “guest of government” status by the Commonwealth. The costs included a convoy of more than 30 police motorcycles, cars and aircraft tracking the Chinese leader’s every move. Early in the morning, the Kwinana Freeway was closed off to give Mr Li a hassle-free ride to Kwinana, where he saw the lithium refinery in Kwinana, co-owned by Chinese company Tianqi. Despite trawls of protestors outside King’s Park, the iconic gardens were also closed in order for Mr Li to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for photos overlooking the city. On the ground, K9 unit officers and their dogs, alongside police on horses, surrounded Kings Park Kaarta Gar-up lookout as Mr Li and Mr Albanese visited and posed for pictures at the popular spot. A trip from King’s Park into the city saw traffic bank up along St George’s Terrace as police cracked down and closed off access, all the while one of the State’s new Airbus H145 helicopters flew overhead with six Tactical Response Group officers on board. In response to questions from Opposition Leader Shane Love, Mr Papalia said WA Police were responsible for Mr Li’s safety while in WA. “As the head of Government and the leader of the State Council, Mr Li Qiang holds a prominent position in China’s political hierarchy, second only to the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President Xi Jinping,” Mr Papalia said. “The primary operational responsibility for law enforcement and public order during a head of Government visit rests with the state police, in accordance with the Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons) Act 1976. “The Australian Federal Police Visitors Assessment Group rated Mr Qiang’s visit as ‘significant’.” At the time, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Federal and State police assisted with the large security operation, adding: “A large WA police team out there this morning is just making sure there’s no issues, and it’s all going well.” Mr Love described the cost as “mind-blowing”. “This is an important visit but many West Aussies will be questioning the amount spent during a cost of living crisis,” he said. “This excessive expense was only unearthed after questioning from the Opposition and once again points to a Labor Government that refuses to be transparent with significant taxpayer funds.”